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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Toni Collette announces divorce from husband of 20 years Dave Galafassi

Toni Collette announced on Wednesday that she has split from her husband Dave Galafassi after almost 20 years of marriage.

The Muriel’s Wedding star, 50, revealed the news on Instagram after drummer Galafassi, 44, was photographed kissing a woman on a Sydney beach.

Sharing a joint statement on her social media account, the pair wrote: “After a substantial period of separation, it is with grace and gratitude that we announce we are divorcing.

“We’re united in our decision and part with continuing respect and care for each other.

“Our kids are of paramount importance to us and we will continue to thrive as a family, albeit a different shape.

“We’re thankful for the space and love you grant us as we evolve and move through this transition peacefully. Big thanks.”

Collette pictured with Galafassi in 2013 (Getty Images for Ralph Lauren)

Collette reactivated her Instagram account just five days ago when she shared a photo of herself drinking from a Happy Birthday cup with the caption: “I’m back. Hello world. I love you.”

The announcement comes hours after MailOnline obtained photos of Galafassi hugging and kissing chiropractor Shannon Egan, 41, on a Sydney beach.

Collette and Galafassi, who share two children, daughter Sage, 14, and son Arlo, 11, have divided their time between Australia and the United States in recent years.

The pair first met in 2002 at the launch of Galafassi’s band Gelbison’s debut album Metal Detector in Sydney and days later they met again at a house party.

Collette recalled the encounter in a 2018 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald and admitted she had planned to stay for 10 minutes but ended up staying 12 hours.

She told the outlet: “He was the first person I saw when I walked in the door.

“He kissed me on the cheek and I just kind of melted. I planned to stay for ten minutes… I was there for 12 hours. It was a good day.”

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