Four-time Grammy Award-winning duo—The Civil Wars—has decided to break up. A new day and new ways have come for Joy Williams and John Paul White, as they have made up their minds to end the music partnership and go their own separate ways.

Before the release of the last Civil Wars album, there was a ongoing hiatus between the duo. It struck media attention because of the apparent gap in between album Barton Hollow and self-entitled album The Civil Wars. The story behind the hiatus has been covered on multiple occasions here on mxdwn: “grueling circumstances and emotional distress”…. “hiatus due to claimed artistic difference”….“This is the new Civil Wars…”

For Joy Williams and John Paul White, it’s not easy walking away from The Civil Wars and all that encompasses this strong duo sensation. Joy Williams shares how the decision has affected her and John Paul and will affect their fans in the near future in both positive and negative ways. She speaks about plans for the future as she will continue to pursue a career in music:

I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least. JP is a tremendous musician, and I will always be grateful for the music we were able to create together.

I sincerely hope that ‘You Are My Sunshine’ will be accepted as a token of my gratitude for every single person that has supported our duo throughout the years. I’m so thankful and my heart is full.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to share the music that I am writing and recording in the midst of this difficult transition. I’ve loved being back in the studio, and have missed performing live. I look forward to seeing you soon.

John Paul White adds with his regrets and also thanks all the Civil Wars fans for their support after all these years:

“I would like to express sincere thanks to all who were a part of the arc of The Civil Wars—from the beginning, to the end, and all points in between. My deep appreciation goes out to all who supported, disseminated, and enjoyed the music. Whatever shape or form the next chapter takes, thanks for being a large part of this one.”

On the flip side of this break-up, it is quite calming to hear that both Joy Williams and John Paul White have plans for the future. The end of The Civil Wars is not the end to them.

And they have not left without a good goodbye. They have truly valued all their fans, so the band will leave with a thank you gift and farewell by offering a free download of their rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” that was recorded in 2010.