FOLLOWING TV compere Quan Yifeng's split from former actor Peter Yu last Thursday, another couple has ended their decade-long marriage.

Jazz singer Jacintha Abisheganaden, 50, and former Life! deputy editor Koh Boon Pin, who is in his mid-40s, have officially divorced.

They have a 9-year-old son, Alexander.

The New Paper understands from court papers that the divorce was finalised on Friday.

Jacintha's mobile phone was switched off when The New Paper tried reaching her.

When we finally got her, she muttered 'sorry' after we identified ourselves, and hung up abruptly.

Boon Pin remained uncontactable over the weekend.

In contrast to Yifeng and Peter's marriage which had been tumultuous from the start, Jacintha and Boon Pin's marriage appeared trouble-free.

Jacintha and Boon Pin first met at a 1989 New Year performance. They married in Bali in May 1998.

Supportive spouse

In interviews and public appearances together, the couple never showed signs that they were unhappy.

In a 2003 interview with the now-defunct newspaper Streats, Jacintha gushed about a supportive husband who took care of Alex when she had to perform.

The family of three looked cheery in a 2005 photograph together.

Jacintha and Boon Pin also presented the 2005 Life! Theatre Awards and attended the 2006 Life! party together.

This is Jacintha's third marriage and Boon Pin's first.

Jacintha's first marriage to American lawyer Mr David Scheffer lasted three years.

Her second marriage to musician Dick Lee ended in 1997 after five years.

Friends unaware

When The New Paper contacted Jacintha's friends, none of them seemed aware of the couple's split.

While he has not seen Jacintha in a while, Mr Lim Sek, chief executive of entertainment company Music & Movement, recalled a very happy Jacintha the last time they met.

Mr Lim, 49, told The New Paper: 'They looked very happy together. Being a mother has brought her a lot of joy.'

'It's a real pity. But this is such a personal matter. Only the parties involved will know what has happened. As friends, we can only support them and their decision.'

Dick echoed Mr Lim's sentiments.

While the 52-year-old music veteran said he and his ex-wife have not kept in regular contact since she married Boon Pin, he said he has noticed that motherhood has been a calming force in Jacintha's life.

Dick told The New Paper: 'Ever since she had Alex, she seemed entrenched in motherhood. She gave up acting when Alex was born and seemed contented with being a devoted mum and wife.

'Ja has become domesticated and I think this is the biggest change in her.

'Even though she is a performer, I believe deep down, she has always wanted to settle down.'

This article was first published in The New Paper on Dec 1, 2008.