Reese Witherspoon, the US actress, has announced her divorce from Jim Toth, her husband.

The couple broke the news in a joint statement via Witherspoon’s Instagram page on Friday.

They said the divorce, which comes after 11 years of marriage, was a “difficult decision” they had to make.

Witherspoon and Toth said they are focused on their son and urged everyone to respect their privacy.

“It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce,” they said.

“We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect for everything we have created together.

“Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter.

“These matters are never easy and are extremely personal.

“We truly appreciate everyone’s respect for our family’s privacy at this time.”

In 2010, Witherspoon and Toth announced their engagement after less than a year of dating.

The pair later got married in March 2011 at a private ranch in California.

They have a 10-year-old son named Tennessee James.

Witherspoon also has a 23-year-old daughter named Ava and a 19-year-old son named Deacon.

She had birthed the two with Ryan Phillippe, her ex-husband, to whom she was married for six years.

Witherspoon has an Oscar, a British Academy Film Award, an Emmy, and two Golden Globes to her name.

The Hollywood star is acclaimed to have consistently ranked among the world’s highest-paid actresses.