Jon and Kate to Divorce

As almost everyone suspected, the stars of the TLC hit reality show “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” Jon and Kate Gosselin, have publically announced they are separating on a special episode of their show that aired tonight. Although they never said the “d” word, at the very end of the episode it was annouced that today paperwork was filed to disolve the couple’s 10 year marriage.
Earlier today, People.com reported that divorce papers were filed at the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown, Penn., Monday afternoon.
As viewers may remember, in a recent episode this season Kate said, “Parents of multiples have triple the divorce rate. We were thinking that we’d beat that. But I dont know if I can say that anymore.”
Throughout tonight’s “special” episide, both Jon and Kate–interviewed separately as has been the norm this season–seemed upset and nervous talking about their deteriorating marriage, each emphasizing that they did not “hate” the other and that they’ve been having problems for months. However, Jon did seem to be excited about what the future holds.
“I was too passive. Now I stand on my own two feet–and I’m proud of myself,” said Jon. “I don’t hate Kate, but I have to do what’s best for me and my kids. Them first.” He later said, “I’m excited and hurt at the same time. I have a new chapter of my life. I’m only 32-years-old.”
Kate seemed a bit more worried about life without Jon, though feels they would have had problems regardless of whether they had done the show. (Though that made me wonder why they decided to renew their wedding vows in Hawaii just last year. Publicity stunt, I guess).
“Goals are different now,” said Kate. “I’m tired of smiling on the outside and crying on the inside. I don’t really want to be alone. I don’t want to do this on my own.” Though Kate is emphatic that she will.
Kate is also worried her children will think her and Jon have failed as parents, and they are just a statistic.
It was definitely heart-breaking to see Jon and Kate talk about going their separate ways, but while they both are in agreement that everything is “for the kids” they each have completely different views on how they want to live their lives. Kate loves the limelight, while Jon would prefer to have the cameras turned off—or at least pointed away from him. I can’t help but think that had Kate listened for a minute to Jon’s concerns, that their marriage could have been saved.
What do you think?
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