A move that left entertainment industry and even Cruise surprised, Holmes filed papers in New York yesterday citing "irreconcilable differences". The actress wants sole custody of couple's six-year-old daughter Suri.
"This is a personal and private matter for Katie and her family. Katie's primary concern remains, as it always has been, her daughter's best interest," Holmes' attorney, Jonathan Wolfe said in a statement.
Cruise learned that Holmes had initiated divorced proceedings in New York while he was working on a film set in Iceland, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"Tom is deeply saddened and is concentrating on his three children. Please allow them their privacy to work this out," his publicist said in a statement.
Holmes, 33, has retained two prominent law firms that specialise in wealthy break-ups. She has hired New York lawyer Allan E Mayefsky and New Jersey divorce lawyer, Jonathan Wolfe.
Cruise, who turns 50 soon, however, is yet to hire a divorce attorney, said his legal representative, Bert Fields.
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The 'Mission Impossible' star married Holmes in November 2006 after a year of dating in a lavish ceremony held at an Italian castle.
They were last seen together in Iceland two weeks back, where the actor is shooting for his upcoming film "Oblivion". (MORE)