[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Katy Perry[/lastfm] is starting the New Year newly single. The “Teenage Dream” singer was spotted spending Christmas in Hawaii, 7,000 miles away from her British comedian husband, Russell Brand. Brand announced on Friday that he had filed for divorce from Perry.

While reports say the divorce had been planned for awhile, Brand appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show saying, “I am really happily married… I’m married to Katy. Perpetually, until death do us part was the pledge. I’m still alive.”

The Daily Mail reports that it had been agreed that Brand file the divorce papers so as to not upset Perry’s religious parents, who frown upon divorce.

Brand, who overcame drug and sex addiction, had told Perry to “tone down” her partying, according to sources close to the couple. It belies the seemingly happy and in love public face the couple has put on right up until Christmas. Sources also report that there was a massive fight just before Christmas, which quickly changed plans for Katy and her family to fly to the UK and head to Hawaii instead.

Despite the divorce, the couple intends to remain friends.