After a 13-year run and six kick-ass albums, The White Stripes announced via their website today that they are breaking up. That’s right, the long-running Jack and Meg White vehicle is officially dead. Long live the Stripes!

The release on the band’s site does not cite any ill will between Jack and Meg, and assures fans that both musicians are in good health.

According to the release, the Stripes are no more because the duo wants to “preserve what is beautiful and special” about their music, among other reasons.

With that information and a short thank you to their fans, the White Stripes have moved on to other projects.

Check out the message below:

“The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health.  It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band have it stay that way.

The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on any of us and we are truly grateful.”

The Stripes last performed together in February of last year for the final episode of the short-lived Late Night with Conan O’Brien.   They performed a version of “We’re Going to Be Friends,” off of their debut album, White Blood Cells–which ranked as #1 on our Favorite Albums of the Decade:

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