Former "Entertainment Tonight" journalist Mark Steines separated from his wife of 17 years actress Leanza Cornett, the couple revealed to Us Weekly.

Together they have two children - Kai Harper, 10, and Avery "A.J." James, 9. 

The spouses confirmed the split in a joint statement released, stating the following: 

"After a great deal of thought and consideration, we have decided to dissolve our 17-year marriage. At this time our concern is for our boys as we help them with this difficult transition. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time." 

Steines, 48, married Cornett, the 1993 Miss America winner, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai in July of 1995. That year Steines, born in Iowa, started as a correspondent for "Entertainment Tonight." He was with the news program from 2004 to 2012, and has since moved on to host Hallmark Channel's daily lifestyles series "Home & Family" with Cristian Ferrare.

Virginia-born Cornett had acting roles in the television series' "Weeds," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" and others. She also served as an "Entertainment Tonight" host, in addition to hosting gigs for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and "New Attitudes."