Ashley Judd has announced that she and racecar-driver hubby Dario Franchitti are divorcing after eleven years of marriage.

The couple married in 2001 and Judd has been a supportive presence during Franchitti’s career, cheering him on at the dangerous races where he made his living. Indeed, the news comes as something of a surprise to Judd’s fans, as there has been no sign of trouble for the star’s marriage. But the two said in a joint statement that the split is amicable.

“We’ll always be family and continue to cherish our relationship based on the special love, integrity, and respect we have always enjoyed,” the statement read.

Of course, this may factor into Judd’s decision on whether or not to pursue a career in the Kentucky Senate; the actress has spoken a bit about it and seems anxious to prove she has what it takes to be a leader for the state she grew up in.

“I am incredibly honored and frankly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support — that the people of Kentucky are interested in having me represent them is the greatest honor of my life so far, and I am certainly taking a close look at it,” Judd said recently. “The people of Kentucky need a fighter and certainly going back 10 generations, I’ve got some fighters from those hills in my family and as soon as I know anything — after I’ve told the family members to whom I’ve made my promises that they’ll be the first to know — you will be up to date in real time.”