Tobey Maguire, Jennifer Meyer separate after 9 years

Actor Tobey Maguire, right, and wife Jennifer Meyer attend "The Great Gatsby" world premiere in New York on May 1, 2013. (Evan Agostini/AP)

LOS ANGELES -- Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Meyer have separated after nine years of marriage.

Maguire's representative has confirmed a People magazine report on the breakup.

The former couple tells People in a joint statement that the decision came "after much soul searching and consideration." Maguire and Meyer say their "first priority remains raising our children together with enduring love, respect and friendship."

Maguire and Meyer have a 9-year-old daughter, Ruby, and a 7-year-old son, Otis.

Meyer is a jewelry designer and the daughter of longtime Hollywood executive Ron Meyer.