Madonna's father-in-law insists her marriage is fine

Madonna's father-in-law has insisted the singer's marriage to his son, Guy Ritchie, is not in trouble -- and the couple have no plans to split.

78-year-old John Ritchie -- who previously told the press: "They're not spending any time together. Madonna is busy in America with the children, and Guy wants to stay in the UK" -- spoke out after constant rumors the Material Girl star was set to move back to America, leaving Guy behind in Britain.

Last week the pair were spotted out together for the first time in weeks.

John said: "They’re happy. I was shocked when I read they were supposed to be having problems.

"They’ve been running around different places. That’s why they haven’t been seen together."

Madonna -- who celebrates her 50th birthday later this year -- has been busy promoting her new album Hard Candy and Guy, 39, has been working on a new film.

They have been married seven years, have three children and own homes in London and Wiltshire.

John added: "She won’t be going out to America to live for good. They’ve got lovely places here."