MUMBAI: After being on hiatus for a year, American folk band The Civil Wars has announced it will split ways, permanently. The duo which comprises John Paul White and Joy Williams, made a joint announcement on Facebook, ending what they called a "tumultuous period".

On the band’s website, William wrote, "I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least. 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." She also termed her now former partner "a tremendous musician".

White, meanwhile, said on the website, "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."

The duo met in 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee and in the following year decided to join forces. In 2011, they released their first album ‘Barton Hollow’, which placed at 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. In the same year, they won two Grammy for Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/ Group Performance.

Unfortunately, during an European tour in 2012, both Williams and White, called off their live concerts citing "internal discord" and "irreconcilable differences". They were not even on cordial terms when their second album ‘The Civil Wars’ was released in 2013 and topped Billboard’s 200 chart.