John Mellencamp has filed for divorce from his wife of 18 years.

The veteran musician announced last month that he had separated from his supermodel wife Elaine - whom he married in 1992 - and has now initiated proceedings to make the split official.

American rocker John, 59 - who has been married twice before and is now rumoured to be dating actress Meg Ryan - filed papers at a court in his home state of Indiana on January 14, according to the New York Post.

The 'Under The Boardwalk' singer and guitarist has five children from his three marriages - Michelle with his first wife Priscilla Esterline, daughters Teddi Jo and Justice from his second marriage to Victoria Granucci and sons Hud and Speck with Elaine.

Previously known by the stage name Johnny Cougar, he has sold over 40 million records worldwide and has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards throughout his career.