Wife of Colts owner Jim Irsay files for divorce

After living apart for more than a decade, Meg Irsay filed for divorce Thursday to end her 33-year marriage to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Ownership of the Indianapolis Colts isn't at issue according to a press release from the Irsays. Jim Irsay maintains 100 percent ownership and complete control of the team.

"After 33 years, we have mutually agreed to end our marriage," the Irsays said in the release. "Meg will continue to pursue her professional interests and her commitment to our children and grandchildren, while Jim will maintain 100 percent ownership of the Indianapolis Colts and his other business interests.

"Although the decision to end our marriage is a difficult one, it is the right decision for us and our family. We appreciate your respect for, and understanding of, our privacy."

Jim Irsay declined further comment.

The Irsays' three daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Irsay — are each a vice chair/owner of the team.

The Star obtained a copy of the three-page petition at the Hamilton County courthouse and it said, in part: "There has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage of the parties, and the Petitioner requests that the parties' marriage be dissolved. The parties own certain property which comprises the marital estate. The Petitioner requests that the Court enter appropriate orders to divide and distribute the parties' marital estate."

The Colts were valued at $1.6 billion by Forbes magazine, 11th in the NFL. Forbes also ranked Jim Irsay No. 342 on its top 400 list with a personal worth of $1.68 billion.

2011 PROFILE: Meg Irsay on her famous husband, her new book and why she shaved her head.

Jim Irsay, 54, assumed ownership of the Colts in 1997 following the death of his father. Robert Irsay suffered a stroke in November 1995 and died Jan. 14, 1997.

Jim Irsay married Meg Coyle on Aug. 2, 1980.

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830. You can follow him on Twitter at @mchappell51.

Star reporter Michael Pointer contributed to this story.