1. Headline
  1. Headline
IMAGE: Heidi Klum, Seal
Getty Images file
Though they won't remain together as a couple, Seal says that his separation from Heidi Klum does not mean they're going to turn on one another.
updated 1/24/2012 7:58:41 AM ET 2012-01-24T12:58:41

There have been some ugly splits in Hollywood, but Seal says that his and Heidi Klum's separation won't be one of them.

"We're just not those kind of people — we never really have been," the singer, 48, said in an interview with PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley, which took place Monday afternoon in L.A. "We've never been attracted to that. Of course it's a difficult situation that we have to handle right now and it's never easy. In terms of our love and respect for each other, that hasn't changed at all."

PHOTOS: A look back at Heidi Klum and Seal's relationship

After rumors began circulating over the weekend that Klum, 38, was planning on filing for divorce and citing "irreconcilable differences," the couple release a joint statement early Monday morning, confirming that their marriage was coming to an end.

Slideshow: Celebrity breakups of 2012 (on this page)
  1. More Entertainment stories
    1. Will Smith shines in 'Men in Black III'

      REVIEW: If you're not a fan of Will Smith's smooth-talking Agent J in the "Men in Black" franchise, don't see the third mo...

    2. Can WWII film hidden by Army help veterans?
    3. Happy 35th anniversary, 'Star Wars'!
    4. Tim McGraw giving homes, hope to veterans
    5. Phillip Phillips has a double double name name

The statement read: "While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate. We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition. We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

PHOTOS: Stars who had difficult divorces

The pair has three biological children together, Henry, 6, Johan, 5, and Lou, 2, plus Klum's 7-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, Leni, whom Seal adopted in 2009.

PHOTOS: Heidi Klum's amazing body evolution

In the interview with Smiley, which airs this Friday on PBS, Seal added, "Just because you decide to separate, I don't think you all of the sudden stop loving each other. I don't think you all of the sudden stop becoming friends."

Copyright 2012 Us Weekly

Video: Seal takes to Twitter after split from Klum

Photos: 2012

loading photos...
  1. Heidi Klum and Seal

    Heidi Klum, the supermodel host of "Project Runway," and singer Seal confirmed that their seven-year marriage was ending on Jan. 22.

    "While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate,” the couple said in a statement. "We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart."

    Klum and Seal have three biological children together, and the singer adopted the model's eldest daughter, Leni, from a previous relationship. (Mario Anzuoni / Reuters) Back to slideshow navigation
  2. Mena Suvari and Simone Sestito

    Actress Mena Suvari and concert promoter husband Simone Sestito split after 18 months of marriage on Jan. 16. The 32-year-old "American Beauty" star cited "irreconcilable differences" according to court papers filed in Los Angeles.

    The couple married in a lavish ceremony in Vatican City, Italy, in June 2010. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  1. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

  2. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

  3. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

  4. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

  1. Image: File photo of Klum and Seal at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles
    Mario Anzuoni / Reuters
    Above: Slideshow (2) Celebrity breakups of 2012 - 2012
  2. Premiere of "All Access: Front Row, Backstage, Live"
    WireImage
    Slideshow (32) Celebrity breakups of 2012 - 2011
  3. 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
    Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images
    Slideshow (37) Celebrity breakups of 2012 - 2010
  4. Image: James Van Der Beek, Heather McComb
    Chris Pizzello / AP
    Slideshow (21) Celebrity breakups of 2012 - 2009

More on TODAY.com

None
  1. Beryl soaks Fla., Ga; thousands lose power

    The remains of Tropical Storm Beryl soaked beach vacations and some Memorial Day remembrance services in southern Georgia and northern Florida on Monday and knocked out power to tens of thousands, though emergency officials said it hasn't brought any major damage

    5/28/2012 5:51:17 PM +00:00 2012-05-28T17:51:17
  2. video Wild weather: Heat ‘melts’ NASCAR driver’s shoe
None
  1. TODAY

    video Iraq veteran calls VetDog 'life changing'

    5/24/2012 6:10:31 PM +00:00 2012-05-24T18:10:31
None
  1. Justin Bieber allegedly batters photographer

    On Sunday, Justin Bieber's squeaky-clean reputation took a hit as the singer allegedly launched into a physical altercation with a paparazzo.

    5/28/2012 1:46:45 PM +00:00 2012-05-28T13:46:45
  2. video See photos from the alleged altercation
Yum
  1. Yum! Make a delicious barbecued pork sandwich

    5/28/2012 2:12:51 PM +00:00 2012-05-28T14:12:51