Country music musician Jimmie Allen is experiencing several life transitions, including he and his wife Alexis Gale’s separation.

In an Instagram post Friday Allen wrote that “after much thought” he and Gale had made the decision to separate. He also shared that their family would be expanding.

“As we navigate this life change, we can also share that we will be welcoming another child together later this year,” he wrote. “Our number one priority is and will always be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved and we remain committed to co-parenting with love and respect for one another.”

Gale posted a similar message on his own Instagram account.

“In light of (of) our growing family, we respectfully request privacy during this time,” he added.

Allen and Gale married in 2020 in a private ceremony before having a larger wedding in 2021, the couple said in an August 2021 interview with People. The couple shares two children: Naomi, 3, and Zara, 1. Allen also has an 8-year-old son, Aadyn, from a previous relationship.

“I wanted to be a father and do music, that’s it. I never wanted to get married. The whole husband thing was not something I ever wanted to do,” Allen told People. “But Alexis changed that. Now, I like it.”

Allen made history in 2018 with his song “Big Shot”, becoming the first Black artist to have his debut single reach No. 1 on country radio. He also became the second Black artist to win the sought-after New Artist of the Year trophy at the CMA Awards in 2021. Darius Rucker won in 2009

Contributing: The Associated Press; Natalie Neysa Alund, The Tennesseans

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmie Allen, Alexis Gale announced separation, expecting new baby