Deana Carter Separation: Country Songstress Files for Separation from Husband of Three Years Brandon Malone

Country songstress Deana Carter recently filed for legal separation from her husband of three years, Brandon Malone. The 46-year-old "Strawberry Wine" star filed the separation documents in L.A. County Superior Court earlier this week citing "irreconcilable differences." In the court papers, Carter admits that she and Malone actually split back in August 2011 - they have not been living together ever since.

Carter once dated music video director Chris Hicky, and the couple has a son (Gray Hayes Hicky) born in September 2004. Carter and Malone tied the knot on October 3, 2009 in Malibu. Although the "We Danced Away" songstress did not have any children with Malone, she is asking the court for Malone to pay up for spousal support and attorney fees.

Carter made it big in the country music world with her hit 1996 album, "Did I Shave My Legs for This?" She also co-wrote Kenny Chesney's hit "You and Tequila," which was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2011 CMA Awards and for Best Country Song at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

A divorce is a court judgment that ends a marriage, while a separation is a condition where a couple live apart without getting a divorce. A divorce must be settled in court, while a separation can be issued mutually.