Who Is Jewel's Soon-To-Be Ex-Husband?

If you didn't already hear the sad news, on Wednesday, Jewel announced she was splitting from her husband of six years, Ty Murray. Though the couple had been married since 2008, they were actually together for a whopping 16 years. Quite a feat for any couple, especially one in the spotlight. They have one son, Kase, who was born in 2011 and have expressed that their main concern throughout this unfortunate time is his wellbeing.

Jewel and Murray released a statement saying,

Our dedication to our son is unwavering and we are both committed to being the best partners in raising our son. Due to the spirit in which we have gone about this separation, we trust we can remain dear friends who hold each other in high esteem, which is so important to us as parents – we wish only what is best for our son.

Sounds like Jewel and Murray are going about this in the best way possible. And you may be wondering who Murray is exactly. After all, Jewel's personal life isn't exactly tabloid fodder and she maintains a generally normal kind of existence. Something which was solidified by marrying a pretty normal kind of dude. Well, if you consider a rodeo champion to be normal. Ty Murray may not be a name you're too familiar with if you're not big on bull riding or cowboys or Jewel's biography, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't get to know him. He's actually quite a remarkable dude. Get it, "dude"? Ranches? Cowboys? Rodeos? Never mind...

Here's a few fun facts about Ty Murray so you can become acquainted:

1. He's not just any rodeo cowboy, he's kind of the best.

He won the title of World All-Around Rodeo Champion seven freakin' times betwee the years 1989 and 1998. And he won his last title despite suffering double knee reconstruction surgeries. What a champ!

2. He knows how to rock a ten gallon hat.

Seriously, we only found ONE picture where he wasn't wearing a hat. He's like the Ne-Yo of rodeo cowboys.

3. He's no a stranger to the camera.

In fact, he's made quite a few television cameo appearances in his time. From Walker, Texas Ranger to CSI, to reality appearances on HGTV's Celebrity Holiday Homes and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Murray has been on the small screen quite a bit.

4. He really likes beer.

As any true cowboy would, I suppose. (I don't know any cowboys personally, but it seems like something they'd like.) Want proof? He's starred in Miller Lite commercials as well as participated (and was injured in) the PBR's Bud Light Cup Series. (PBR is Professional Bull Riding here, not PBR the beer. But double whammy, I guess?)

5. He writes songs.

Well, he at least co-wrote one with wife Jewel, called "Till We Run Out of Road." What a renaissance man!

Listen to Murray and Jewel's song below and relive the happier times with them: