In news that is sure to make baseball star Alex Rodriguez jump for joy, his friend / "f--king soulmate" Madonna and her husband, Guy Ritchie, are about to announce they're divorcing and hope to have it finalized by the holidays.

The two, who've been married (and rumored to be splitting) for eight years, "can't bear to live with the pretense any longer ... It's very sad. They were a great couple and brilliant parents. They just couldn't live together," a source tells The Sun (UK).

"Despite huge attempts to patch things up, they both knew deep down that divorce was in the cards. It wasn't a matter of 'if' but 'when.' They tried hard over the past few months, but their fighting was getting out of control."

The New York Post - which says an official announcement could come as early as today - reports they made a last-ditch attempt to save their marriage with an intensive Kabbalah course in N.Y.C. But Guy wanted out and Madonna relented.

The pair has three children between them: Lourdes, 12, Madonna's daughter from her previous relationship with actor and personal trainer Carlos Leon; and Ritchie and Madonna's two sons, Rocco, 8, and adopted David, 2.

Madonna and Ritchie (who some say may net $100 million in a settlement) have clashed over everything from their kids to where they should live: the U.S. or England. Madonna also reportedly wants to adopt again; Guy does not.

Madonna has also been linked to the recent divorce of New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and his wife, Cynthia Rodriguez. Both denied any impropriety, but they were spotted together over a cozy dinner earlier this month!