Jimmie Allen and Alexis Allen; Photo Courtesy of Getty Images for CMT

Country star Jimmie Allen took to social media on Friday, April 21 to make two major announcements about his personal life. Allen and his wife Alexis Gale have decided to separate and are also expecting another child together.

The "Freedom was a Highway" singer shared the double dose of news in an Instagram post, emphasizing that their priority is co-parenting their children. They have also asked for privacy during this major life change.

Jimmie Allen and Alexis Gale; Photo via Instagram

"After much thought and reflection in recent months, Lex & I have made the decision to separate. As we navigate this life change, we can also share that we will be welcoming another child together later this year. Our number one priority is and always will be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved, and we remain committed to co-parenting with love and respect for one another. In light our growing family, we respectfully request privacy during this time."

The couple has been married for three years and have two children together, Naomi Bettie (3), and Zara James (1), and now have another child on the way. Allen also has a son from a previous relationship, Aadyn (8).

Alexis revealed to People in August 2021 that they secretly tied the knot in 2020, when they exchanged vows in a private ceremony before going public for their larger celebration held last May. 

"We haven't officially announced this, but we've actually been married for a year," Alexis explained. "We got married on his birthday — June 18 — last year. Actually publicly being Mr. and Mrs. has been really exciting! I thought it was going to be the same, but I feel like it's a new honeymoon stage for us. We get to wear our rings out in public."

Allen admitted at the time that marriage wasn't always part of his plan. 

"I wanted to be a dad and do music, that's it," he told People. "I never wanted to get married. The whole husband thing was not something I ever wanted to do. But Alexis changed that. Now, I like it. It gives me some security — she can't just be like, 'I'm done.' Divorce is a lot of paperwork!"

Jimmie Allen and Alexis Gale; Photo via Instagram

It's not clear if divorce is on the horizon for the couple who have now announced their separation.

On February 25, Allen shared that he would be moving out of Nashville. Allen wrote in a Twitter post, "Dear Nashville, I came to you in 2007 chasing this music dream.  Thank you for the memories we made over the years.  It's time to move on now but I'll be back to visit for sure. Take care. ✌🏽"

Allen's new single "be alright" off his third album Tulip Drive is out now. Co-written by Allen, Jason Evigan, Gian Stone and Castle, "be alright" is a breezy track filled with an inspirational spirit that fans have come to know from his music, weaving a throughline of encouragement and perseverance through the song to provide comfort and hope to anyone listening. He will premiere the music video for "be alright" during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on April 24.

The Delaware native earned his fourth career No. 1, but also claimed Country radio's first No. 1 of 2023 with his sentimental song, "Down Home."