After James Hetfield announced his divorce, his ex-wife shared: ‘I am extremely sad that my marriage has come to this end’

The couple was together for more than two decades.

It was recently revealed that James Hetfield, the frontman of the band Metallica, has filed for divorce in their home state of Colorado from Francesca, his wife of over 20 years.

The singer’s former girlfriend has already responded to the news with a brief statement that read as follows:

“After 30 years of ups and downs but always with a lot of love, I am extremely saddened that my marriage has come to this.”

Francesca and James were married in 1997 after meeting in 1992. Together, the couple is parent to three children: Cali, 20, Castor, 18, and Marcella, 16.

The leader of Metallica has been transparent throughout the years about his personal challenges, which have included alcоhоl misuse and mentаl health issues including anxiety and poor self-esteem.

Hetfield remembered in October 2021 the changes he had to endure throughout “The Black Album” cycle, even at the expense of his mentаl health:

“I already had a great deal of pressure to do well and not let the squad down. However, once 60,000 more persons are added, Since this is what you have developed to be, you must be what they need you to be. And ‘[The Wizard of] Oz’ is kind of there. Like, don’t pay any attention to the man behind the curtain; he’s just dying, battling, freaking out, and he has no idea who he is.”