(Handout)

The White Stripes have faded to black.

Singer-guitarist Jack White and his drumming ex-wife Meg announced the breakup of their beloved garage-rock duo in a notice posted on their website Wednesday.

“The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health,” the statement reads. “It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want.

The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on any of us and we are truly grateful.”

The band released six studio albums, one live album and two DVDs during their 13 years together. They last performed together nearly two years ago on the final episode of Late Night With Conan O’Brien, playing We’re Going to Be Friends.

On the plus side, this probably means that Jack — who also plays in The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather when he isn’t running his Third Man Records label and store in Nashville, or producing albums for other artists such as Loretta Lynn and rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson will have time to form several more new bands. Also, we could be in for one awesome reunion tour down the road sometime.