Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver have decided to go their separate ways after 25 years of marriage. They have been leading separate lives since he left the California governor’s office in January 2011.
The estranged couple were wed in 1986 at the Kennedy compound in Massachusetts. Four children came later: Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13.
The fact that they have been leading different lives and following separate goals seems to be the reason behind the split. Arnold is planning to resume his acting career, beginning with another installment of the Terminator.
Maria is a journalist who was working on Dateline NBC when she bowed out to become first lady of California. They paid her a hefty exit salary over a three year period — a fact that raised a few eyebrows.
Maria is also the author of six best-selling books and was recently a guest editor for O magazine.
Shriver has hinted in recent interviews that there were issues between the power couple. On March 28, Maria uploaded a YouTube video asking people how they have gotten through transition – check it out below.
The couple issued a joint statement on the split: “After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion, and prayer, we came to this decision together. This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us…We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public.”
The word divorce has not been uttered by either of them in public. Their immediate plan is to continue to live apart while they work on the future of their relationship.
Videos below:
Photo Credit: WENN