Washington, Aug 21 : Latin star Ricky Martin is the new father of twin baby boys, born by a surrogate mother, his representatives have confirmed.

"In recent weeks, Ricky Martin became a proud father by the birth of twin sons," People quoted his rep, as saying.

"The children, delivered via gestational surrogacy, are healthy and already under Ricky's full-time care," the rep said in a statement.

"Ricky is elated to begin this new chapter in his life as a parent and will be spending the remainder of the year out of the public spotlight in order to spend time with his children," the rep added.

The boys' names and the location of their birth have not been released.

The "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer, 36, is a longtime supporter of children's causes around the globe through his Ricky Martin Foundation.

ANI