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John Schneider’s 21-year marriage is ending in divorce, actor confirms

John Schneider, left, and former "Dukes of Hazzard" costar Tom Wopat promote their Christmas album in New York on Dec. 3.
(D Dipasupil / Getty Images)
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John Schneider, one of TV’s original “Dukes of Hazzard,” confirmed Wednesday that he and his wife of 21 years are getting a divorce.

“The glue that held us together has weakened, and I feel it’s the only way to not only salvage our friendship, but to remain a good example to our children,” the 54-year-old actor said in a statement.

Elvira “Elly” Schneider filed for divorce on Nov. 14, People magazine reported Friday. The couple are parents to Leah and Chasen, the son and daughter from her first marriage, and Karis, their daughter together. All three are now adults.

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“When you have children together, you are together until death do you part. That much is obvious,” said Schneider, who played Clark Kent’s father for 10 seasons on “Smallville.”

“I am, of course, saddened by this personal failing,” he said, “but feel it’s important to get this part correct, even if I couldn’t get the other part correct.”

In happier “Dukes of Hazzard” news, Schneider and his old costar, Tom Wopat, in October released an 18-song Christmas album -- one that according to Rolling Stone includes “a bromantic reinterpretation of ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside.’”

This rendition is, by most unscientific measures of Christmas songs, phenomenal. In a live performance from Dec. 2, Wopat called his buddy “dude” somewhere in the middle and name-checked the Hazzard brothers’ bright-orange Dodge Charger, the General Lee.

That happened in a Christmas song.

Back in a more serious reality, Schneider was first married to L.A. broadcaster Tawny Little, who was Miss America 1976.

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Elly Schneider, nee Castle, cited irreconcilable differences as grounds for the split and is reportedly seeking spousal support.

Follow Christie D’Zurilla on Twitter @theCDZ and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs

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