Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas are ready to officially end their 18-year marriage. The former couple, who announced their separation in June last year, have both signed their divorce papers and are now just waiting for a judge to legally end their union, according to TMZ."It's been over for a while," a source close to Antonio told People. "There's not a lot of drama with the two of them. They're at the point where they can be civil to each other. They're doing this in a healthy way. I know that Antonio is looking forward to the next chapter in his life."
© Photo: Getty ImagesMelanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas have signed the papers to end their 18-year marriage
The signing of the paperwork took place more than a year after Melanie, 57, and Antonio, 54, first announced their split, issuing a joint statement explaining their decision to end their "almost twenty-year marriage in a loving and friendly manner honouring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together".The stars have one daughter together, 18-year-old Stella, and true to their word happily reunited for her high school graduation just last month. "Mama, Stella and Papi," Melanie captioned a photo from the big day on Instagram – a bandage covering the heart-shaped Antonio tattoo on her arm that she is having removed. "Our angel is amazing. Beginning the next chapter of her life! Freedom!"
The couple reunited for daughter Stella's high school graduation last month
This will be the fourth divorce for Melanie, who was first married to Don Johnson for six months in 1976. She then wed her She's In The Army co-star Steven Bauer in 1982, and they had a son, Alexander, together before their divorce in 1987. Melanie and Don remarried in 1989 and had daughter Dakota Johnson together the same year. They split in 1995 and their divorce was finalised in 1996 – the same year that Melanie and Antonio were married.Antonio has been married just once before – to Ana Leza from 1987 until 1996.Although the actor has now moved on with his new girlfriend, Dutch investment consultant Nicole Kimpel, he still has a deep affection for estranged wife. "I admire and respect Melanie first and foremost as a great actress," he said during an appearance on Spanish TV show El Hormiguero earlier this year. "And she's also the person that I loved, that I love, and will always love."
