The Civil Wars music duo announce formal breakup.

Byline: Chris Talbott

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The members of folk duo The Civil Wars have made it official: They're breaking up.

Joy Williams and John Paul White issued a statement on their website Tuesday morning announcing the decision, which comes nearly two years after the duo pulled out of a world tour over irreconcilable differences.

The duo met on a songwriting project and had instant chemistry as songwriters and performers. Championed by many fellow musicians like Taylor Swift, their first album went gold...