It’s the DI-VO-RC-E for the MA-DO-NN-A

After months of speculation, Madonna’s publicist, Liz Rosenberg, announced a few minutes ago that the singer and her husband, Guy Ritchie, will divorce after 7 1/2 years together.

A statement e-mailed to The Associated Press from Rosenberg said that the couple had agreed to divorce, and requested the media maintain respect their privacy. Yeah, good luck with that one.

The statement, co-signed by Ritchie’s representative, said the couple had not agreed to a settlement.

I wonder what M will say tonight when her “Sticky & Sweet Tour” stops in Boston. She’s either going to be totally aloof about the news or she’s going to be moo-dy, meaning she’ll pop a string or two from her guitar and she’ll stick to the script until she’s blue in the face.

The whole thing is sad, really. Expect a new album full of breakup songs from the Queen of Pop in the next couple of years, though.

Photo: SaysWhoLive.com.

Update 1: It was only a matter of time until the Alex Rodriguez business was unearthed again. UsMagazine.com is reporting M and A-Rod are “definitely romantic.”

Update 2: Meanwhile, Guy Ritchie spent the day working on Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. in London. Ritchie is said to be “sort of relieved that it's all out there [now].”

Update 3: At her concert in Boston, M is said to have dedicated “Miles Away” to “the emotionally retarded. Maybe you know some people who fall into that category. I know I do.”

Ouch. That’s a change of tune if I ever heard one. Effective way to promote your new single, though.

Update 4: Which breakup anthem should Madonna add to her “Sticky & Sweet” set list, EW.com is wondering.

One of her own hits, like “Bye Bye Baby,” or “The Power of Goodbye,” or “You’ll See” – or Beyoncé’ “Irreplaceable”? Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”? Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”? No Doubt’s “Ex-Girlfriend”? Or how about pal Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River”?

Click here and vote.