Kamahl announces split from wife after 55 years together

Australian singer Kamahl has separated from his wife, Sahodra.

The 87-year-old shared the sad news in an interview with New Idea today, but he is "praying it's a temporary split."

"My beautiful wife, Sahodra, and I had been together 55 years before quietly separating earlier this year," he said. "We remain close. Thankfully, things are convivial — we see one another regularly. She still cooks me her unbelievably delicious lamb shanks every fortnight."

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The 'Sounds of Goodbye' singer told the outlet the pressures of fame contributed to their split, which he says was a long time coming.

"I think over time I took Sahodra's graciousness for granted. In hindsight, I should have given her more hugs," the Malaysian-born entertainer said.

"She really is the wind beneath my wings. I now realise I probably wasn't the most attentive husband," he added. "Fame can do that — it can distract from what really matters, and that's family. But I'm keeping everything crossed we can work through this rough patch, as she really is my everything."

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Kamahl and Sahodra sold their longtime home last year and he is now living alone at a country club on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

The pair married on June 29, 1966, and welcomed two children during their marriage: Rajan, 52, and Rani, 50. They also have a granddaughter, Isabelle Flynn.

The Hey Hey It's Saturday star has been in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years. He is currently working with author Keith Cameron on a book to be called, The Kindness of Strangers.