CITING "IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES," Myrrh Records/A&M Records artist Amy Grant filed for divorce from Reunion Records artist Gary Chapman on March 4, according to papers filed in Tennessee's Williamson County Chancery Court. The couple have been married 16 years and have three children.

The filing comes three-and-a-half months after the Dec. 30, 1998 announcement that Grant and Chapman were separating [The CCM Update, Jan. 11].

Last week, Blanton Harrell Management, which manages Grant and until recently, Chapman, said in a press statement: "This has obviously been a difficult time for Amy, Gary and their family and they are in need of continued prayers and support as they seek God's guidance through this process. We appreciate those who have written or called and voiced their prayer support ... ."

Both artists declined comment.

In a press statement issued last week, Jim Chaffee, general manager/vice president of Myrrh, said: "We are saddened by this announcement and continue to pray for Amy, Gary and their children. Amy's achievements have raised the level of awareness of Christian music and, more importantly, the Gospel. We will continue to support Amy as a Myrrh artist."

The same holds true for Chapman's record label, said Reunion Records Vice President/Co-General Manager George King: "... As Gary Chapman's record company, we will continue to support him in any way that we can. Both Gary and Amy have made immeasurable contributions to people around the world through their lives and their music ... ."

According to Jennifer Cooke, director of artist communications for Blanton Harrell, Grant is taking time off the road to be with her children and begin writing for her next record, which she will start recording this year. She will return to the tour circuit in December with her annual Christmas tour.

Chapman is finishing his new studio album with Reunion, slated to bow September '99. Chapman is currently the host of CCM Communications' [publisher of The CCM Update] weekly syndicated radio program, The CCM Countdown With Gary Chapman and TNN's daily variety TV show, "Prime Time Country."