NASHVILLE -- The members of folk duo The Civil Wars have made it official: They're breaking up.

Joy Williams and John Paul White issued a statement on their website Tuesday morning announcing the decision, which comes nearly two years after the duo pulled out of a world tour over irreconcilable differences.

The duo met on a songwriting project and had instant chemistry as songwriters and performers. Championed by many fellow musicians like Taylor Swift, their first album went gold and they won four Grammy Awards before personal differences ended their partnership. They released a second album, but did not tour in support of it.

Each thanked their fans in the statement and issued a free download of "You Are My Sunshine."