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Wife Files For Divorce From 'American Pie' Singer Don McLean

CAMDEN, Maine (AP/CBS) — The wife of "American Pie" singer and songwriter Don McLean has filed for divorce in Maine.

A lawyer for Patrisha McLean says the legal papers filed Thursday cite "adultery, cruel and abusive treatment, and irreconcilable differences." The two have been married for 30 years.

Camden resident Don McLean was arrested in January on charges including domestic violence assault. He has pleaded not guilty.

He has been prohibited from having contact with his wife. A statement from Patrisha McLean's attorney, Gene Libby, says she's gained "strength and insight away from his influence and control."

Don McLean's divorce lawyer, Michael Asen, says his client denies the characterizations made by his wife's lawyer. He also says Don McLean "cares very deeply about his wife and family" and that "this wasn't what he wanted."

A scheduled concert by Don McLean at a Cape Cod high school was canceled after students protested the appearance due to the singer's recent arrest.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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