Danica Patrick divorce: Patrick posts on Facebook that she is divorcing husband Paul Hospenthal

PHOENIX - Danica Patrick and Paul Hospenthal, her husband of seven years, are getting a divorce, according to USA Today .

On her Facebook page Tuesday, Danica broke the news that the couple mutually felt a divorce was necessary.

She wrote, "I am sad to inform my fans that after 7 years, Paul and I have decided to amicably end our marriage. This isn't easy for either of us, but mutually it has come to this. He has been an important person and friend in my life and that's how we will remain moving forward."

Many of her fans offered condolences in reply to her post.

According to USA Today, Patrick met Hospenthal, who is 17 years her senior, in 2002 while he was helping her recover from a hip injury.

Hospenthal reportedly owned a physical therapist office in Arizona and the two owned a home in Scottsdale.

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