Donnie Wahlberg and his wife are divorcing after nearly nine years of marriage.

The 39-year-old and his wife, Kim Fey, each filed for divorce in separate counties in the Los Angeles area.

Mrs Wahlberg cited "irreconcilable differences" in her filings in Los Angeles Superior Court. Donnie Wahlberg's petition was filed in Ventura County.

The couple were married in August 1999 and separated earlier this year.

The move comes as the singer and actor prepares to tour with a reunited New Kids on the Block and appears on the big screen in Righteous Kill, which will be released on September 12.

The former couple have two sons, ages 15 and 7.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.