Jake Owen -- Country Star Announces Divorce ... on Twitter

Jake Owen has eliminated the middle man -- and his marriage -- in one fell swoop ... by announcing his divorce on Twitter.

The country star said the move was "the hardest thing" he's ever done, writing, "Sadly, Lacey and I have decided to end our marriage. We want to focus on our daughter Pearl and make sure that she has a beautiful life with loving parents."

The move shouldn't come as a surprise to his loyal fans. Just last month, in a recent interview he openly discussed his marital problems and said specifically he and his wife had been considering a divorce.