Destiny's Child: 'We Are Very Much A Group'

NEW YORK (AP) - Responding to the clamor that ensued after Destiny's Child's Beyonce Knowles said last week the group was going on hiatus, the chart-topping trio today (Dec. 13) issued a statement proclaiming, "we are very much a group, very much together, and plan to be for many years. We just want to take a little time to work on some things that reflect our individual personalities and we're going to help and support each other with everything we do."

"We've worked really hard to get to where we are and have been blessed with success and the incredible support of our fans," the statement continues. "We're like sisters, we really love and understand each other and have such a great time that we can't even think about breaking up Destiny's Child."

Destiny's Child plans to embark on a world tour next spring and start work "on a new group album right after that," according to the statement. Meanwhile, members will continue to pursue other projects. As previously reported, Knowles will star as Foxy Cleopatra in "Austin Powers 3: Goldmember," due July 26 in U.S. theaters. Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams are both working on solo albums, with Rowland's set said to be a "hybrid of R&B/rock/soul," and Williams' leaning toward inspirational music.

Last week, the group was named artist of the year for the second year in a row at the 2001 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. The trio's Columbia holiday album, "8 Days of Christmas," is No. 34 in its sixth week on The Billboard 200, while the "Survivor" album jumps 57-53.