The Civil Wars are officially history

The duo - Joy Lynn Williams and John Paul White - announced on their web site Tuesday that the year-plus long split is now permanent.

"The Civil Wars...have regretfully decided to permanently part ways. The difficult decision ends a tumultuous period for the four-time Grammy Award-winning band, which has been on indefinite hiatus since late 2012," the duo said on its web site.

What exactly led to the break-up was never made clear. Williams talked about trying to work issues out with White, but he had very little to say about the internal issues. They never toured behind their last release and major label debut.

They self-released "Barton Hollow" in 2011 to wide acclaim and two Grammys in 2012. They followed "Barton Hollow" up in 2013 with "The Civil Wars" on Columbia. The album débuted at number one on the Billboard charts. The duo also won a Grammy in 2013 for "Safe & Sound" with Taylor Swift and in 2014 for "From This Valley" for Bese\t Country Duo/Group Performance.

"I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least," said Williams, who previously had a career as a Christian artist. "JP is a tremendous musician, and I will always be grateful for the music we were able to create together. I sincerely hope that 'You Are My Sunshine' will be accepted as a token of my gratitude for every single person that has supported our duo throughout the years. I'm so thankful and my heart is full. Looking ahead, I'm excited to share the music that I am writing and recording in the midst of this difficult transition. I've loved being back in the studio and have missed performing live. I look forward to seeing you soon."

"I would like to express sincere thanks to all who were a part of the arc of The Civil Wars-from the beginning, to the end, and all points in between," said White. "My deep appreciation goes out to all who supported, disseminated and enjoyed the music. Whatever shape or form the next chapter takes, thanks for being a large part of this one."

The Civil Wars gave a parting "thank you gift and farewell," a download of their rendition of "You Are My Sunshine." Recorded in 2010, the track was originally released in 2011 as a b-side to the band's limited edition Barton Hollow 7" vinyl. This marked the first time the song was available digitally in the U.S.