Singer Shakira and her Argentine boyfriend of 11 years say in a note on the Colombian pop star's website that they have split up.

Shakira and Antonio de la Rua say they decided in August to "take time apart" from their romantic relationship but kept the details private until now.

The note posted on Monday says the two view their separation as temporary, and adds that de la Rua will continue to oversee Shakira's business and career interests. He is the son of a former president of Argentina.

A person close to the couple says they are now together in Paris. The person insisted on speaking anonymously, noting the subject's sensitivity.

The 33-year-old Shakira said in various interviews in 2009 that she was ready to have babies.