Kim Kardashian's folks confirm separation reports

Kim Kardashian's mum and stepfather have ended months of speculation about their marriage by announcing they have separated.

Kris and Bruce Jenner have issued a statement, in which they confirm they are "living separately", adding, "We are much happier this way".

The news comes less than a week after Kris' sister told In Touch magazine the couple had split.

Karen Houghton told the publication Olympian Bruce had already "sought out a lawyer", but added, "They still do things together. Their relationship goes back and forth. I would love to see them get back together."

The family members have been playing down stories about a split for months, even though Bruce has been living at the Kardashian beach house in Malibu while Kris resides in Calabasas with her daughters.

The couple's joint statement, released to the media on Tuesday (08Oct13), reads: "We are living separately and we are much happier this way. But we will always have much love and respect for each other. Even though we are separated, we will always remain best friends and, as always, our family will remain our number one priority."