Star Break-Ups: They're All Out of Love, but Not Out of Scrutiny

July 18, 2009— -- Celebrity splits are nothing new in Hollywood.

With the end of Amy Winehouse's two-year marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil, who called living with her "intolerable," the pair join other stars who have navigated rocky relationships. USA TODAY takes a look at some recent breakups and the he-said, she-said back-and-forth behind them.

Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo

The break-up: The singer and the Dallas Cowboys quarterback were in sync during an appearance at a golf tournament July 1. But now Romo is on Simpson's roster of famous exes after People magazine reported Monday that he dumped her on the eve of her 29th birthday July 10.

They said: Neither has released a statement about the split. They weren't shy, however, about publicly sharing their two-year romance. "We're two people who care about each other, and it's not hard to make it work when both of you want to see the other one," he told People on July 1. She praised him in June's Vanity Fair: "Dating the Cowboys quarterback comes with hype, the fans, the bloggers, but I've never dated a guy that was more simple. I'm always there for him after a game."

Billy Joel and Katie Lee Joel

The break-up: The May-December romance between the classic rocker and his foodie wife fizzled out June 17 when the couple announced that they were ending their almost five-year marriage.

He said: The Piano Man singer brushed off the reports of his wife's purported infidelity. "Their decision to separate was absolutely unrelated," his representative said.

They said: Lee Joel hasn't spoken out solo, but the pair released the standard "still friends" statement to announce their split. "This decision is the result of much thought and consideration. Billy and Katie remain caring friends, with admiration and respect for each other."

Jon and Kate Gosselin

The break-up: The paparazzi-hounded Jon & Kate Plus 8 reality stars filed for divorce June 22. He said: "My job is being the best, most supportive and loving father that I can be to my kids, and not being married to Kate doesn't change that," he said in a statement. Lately he has been spotted with a 22-year-old gal pal.

She said: "Jon has been asking for this for a long time. He does not want to be married to me anymore," Kate told People magazine.

They said: After trading barbs in the press, the couple said in a joint statement: "During this very difficult time we will be working to focus solely on the needs of our family. This includes no longer commenting publicly or reacting to media stories and speculation."

Nas and Kelis

The break-up: The rap star and Milkshake singer were married in 2005 but called it quits April 30 when she filed for divorce, just ahead of the birth of their son, who is due this month. Kelis cited irreconcilable differences and is asking for $80,000 a month for spousal and child support.

He said: Nas disputed Kelis' claims that he pulled in $11 million for a 2006 record deal, citing in legal papers that he received only about $4 million. He also revealed that his monthly income is about $148,000 and that more than $71,000 of that is for personal expenses.

She said: She let loose June 4 on Twitter in a rant about infidelity. "All the scum bag coward husbands . . . You can all go down in flames together! Hooray!" she wrote.

Jane Kaczmerak and Bradley Whitford

The break-up: The Malcolm in the Middle mother and former West Wing star began the process of ending their 16-year marriage June 19 when Whitford filed for divorce. Kaczmarek responded, asking for physical custody of their children, Mary, 6, George, 9, and Frances, 11.

He said: "He hopes the media will respect their wish for privacy as they focus on their children," the actor said through his publicist.

She said: Kaczmarek talked to More magazine for its August issue, before the divorce. "That's a big no comment," she responded when asked about her love life, and she went on to say that she relies on her girlfriends in difficult times.

Usher and Tameka Foster Raymond

The break-up: The singer filed for divorce from his stylist wife on June 12. The pair were married in August 2007 and have two sons, Usher Raymond V, 1½, and Naviyd, 7 months. In the petition, Raymond said that they had been separated since July 2008 and that "the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken."

He said: "If there's any turmoil, I think it's managing all of it," the singer told Entertainment Tonight days after the filing. "But having an incredible team that helps me do that makes it very easy, or easier than it would normally be."

She said: Through lawyers, she said June 30 that the divorce surprised her, because she "had every reason to believe her marriage was intact."