Jason Aldean files for divorce

Updated 3:03 p.m. ET

Jason Aldean and wife Jessica Ussery are calling it quits after 12 years of marriage.

Aldean filed for divorce in Williamson County, Tenn., court on April 26, citing irreconcilable differences, according to documents obtained by People.

"This is a really tough time for my entire family," Aldean said in a statement Monday afternoon. "Jessica and I have been together since we were teenagers. We've been through a lot of ups and downs over the years as we grew up together as a couple. She will always be important to me because she is the mother of my children, and I know that we will both always make our daughters our No. 1 priority."

He added, "I've learned that everyone always rushes to judgment when they hear news like this. That's really hard because no one knows anything about our relationship but us. I understand that because of my job, I have to go through a lot of this in the public eye, but for my girls' sake I really wish people would give us some level of privacy and at the very least be respectful of them."

Last week, a rep for the country singer acknowledged that he and his wife (who married in 2001) were having problems, but did not elaborate.

"I can confirm that Jason and his wife are having problems, but there is nothing more to share with the press at this time," the rep told People at the time. "It's a private family matter, and we hope everyone will respect that he would like to keep it that way."

Aldean released the following statement on Monday to The Associated Press: "This is a really tough time for my entire family. Jessica and I have been together since we were teenagers. We've been through a lot of ups and downs over the years as we grew up together as a couple. She will always be important to me because she is the mother of my children, and I know that we will both always make our daughters our No. 1 priority."

The divorce comes after Aldean was photographed getting cozy with former "American Idol" contestant Brittany Kerr back in September. He issued a public apology on his Facebook page, thanked fans for their support and noted that he was "(working) through this privately with my family."

In November, hetold "CBS This Morning" of his marriage: "I think we're fine, you know? I think, you know, anytime you go through something like that, I mean -- it's tough. We've been together for a long time. And been through a lot of things together. And -- you know -- those are things that most people get to deal with in private. But we didn't have the luxury of doing that."