The big announcement everyone had been waiting for on Jon & Kate Plus 8 turned out to be Jon and Kate Gosselin's decision to separate. "Kate and I have decided to separate," Jon said."It's just not good for us to be arguing in front of our kids. ... We can't be cordial with one another." In a separate interview, Kate said "If peace needs to be brought about by this, then I'm in agreement."
But even before the much-anticipated episode aired on Monday night, Kate initiated court proceedings to end the couple's ten-year marriage for good. (See photos of Jon, Kate and the kids in happier times.)
"Over the course of this weekend, Jon's activities have left me no choice but to file legal procedures in order to protect myself and our children," Kate said in a statement. "While there are reasons why it was appropriate and necessary for me to initiate this proceeding, I do not wish to discuss those reasons at this time, in the hope that all issues will be resolved amicably between Jon and myself. As always, my first priority remains our children."
Jon, who says he was too passive during the course of their marriage, released his own statement on Monday. "This afternoon, Kate filed for divorce," he said. "Our kids are still my number one priority. I love them and want to make sure they stay happy, healthy and safe. My job is being the best, most supportive and loving father that I can be to my kids, and not being married to Kate doesn't change that...This will be a difficult transition for all of us, but Kate and I will work out a schedule that enables our kids to have plenty of quality time with both of us at home in Pennsylvania. In terms of my marriage, it's no secret that the past six months or so have been very difficult for Kate and me. We are no different than other couples and parents who are facing a crossroads in their marriage. I am of course deeply saddened that we are divorcing." (Read our readers' advice for Jon and Kate.)The couple's marriage may be ending, but their reality show goes on. "The show must go on," Kate said. "I will continue to be here, be with the kids, do the same things I've always done with them." As for Jon, he said he would continue to be a part of the reality show, but the couple will continue to interview separately.
What's next? Life and Style magazine is reporting that Jon will be moving to New York City, but he will have the kids on weekends.
Do you think Jon and Kate are making the right move? Sound off in the comments.
Photo 1 © Thos Robinson /Getty Images, Photo2 © TLC.
Comments
I think they have no idea what they have done to themselves and their family by breaking up. I feel bad for them.
Why must the reality show go on!!! I’ve never watched the show except for about five minutes one night. Couldn’t take it–didn’t enjoy it–thought it was all about the $$$$$.
Jon is a d— yeah there’s issues, who’s perfect….why did he renew his vows… u can c Kate wants to try, Jon wants to party, he says I’m 34, big deal, I hope he doesn’t bring b—— around his kids, he wasn’t force to do the show!!! Last thing he was ugly before tlc, few new strands of hair, he’s still ugly…. tlc tried 2 help him!!!
I don’t know what took John so long to get out of the toxic relationship he had with Kate. She cut him down every single time he opened his mouth, she belittled him, made fun of him, screamed at him, corrected his English…he couldn’t breath right according to Kate! Doesn’t any one think it’s at all weird that her own family does not talk to her. Her own mother is not in her life or the kids life. Her brother has been on national TV begging her to stop thinking of the $$$$ and start worrying about the kids. Her own family speaks volumes on the kind of person she must be! Run John, Run!!!!
I think it’s unfortunate that they are getting a divorce. I think they should work it out. They are taking the easy way out, and teaching the children that this is how you deal with life problems. They could have worked out their differences if they had tried.
Marriage counseling & stop the show. These things can work. The children need two parents. Yes, Kate was obviously abusive and very much into her fame. But, she doesn’t deserve infidelity from Jon. They need to look at the whole picture. They both say the children are the most important thing to them yet they are both being very selfish–her with her book tours and him with his bars and “babes.” They need to get their acts together and act like the parents that God intended them to be!
I believe it was the only thing left to do. Jon had given Kate no other choice with all the womanizing he has done. Jon wanted to stay a little boy about 20, not married with no children. I think he was tired of it all and this was the best way out of it. He won’t be a celebrity for long and then what is left for any woman?