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?
Related Features:
- How Jon and Kate Might Be Able to Save Their Marriage
- Interview with Kate Gosselin
- Jon Gosselin Allegedly Cheating on Wife
- Is Jon Gosselin Cheating? New Photo Emerges
- Complete Features on “Jon & Kate Plus 8″
posted June 22, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I think it is sad that thay can not seek Gods face in this, I know for myself, not having God in your relationship its most difficult. I can tell you that they will rip the heart out of their kids, they will bounce back, but they are never the same, I know I am divoriced with 5 of my own and 3 adopted, if I knew it would have devistated them I would have looked for an answer with the Lord, but I only thought of myself.
posted June 23, 2009 at 7:37 am
This can be a great opportunity to show the difference between doing things God’s way and the way of the world. Perhaps we will get to finally see more of their church’s involvement in their lives as the body of Christ surrounds them and helps them. If it isn’t too painful maybe we can sit in on one of their counseling sessions as they seek reconciliation. They are currently saying some pretty unGodly things like “I need to do this,” or “this will bring peace,” etc, etc. It will be cool to see them stop focusing on their pains and troubles and focus on Christ who makes all things new. What an incredible testimony this can be. Keep them in your prayers.
posted June 23, 2009 at 9:00 am
Steve said:
“If it isn’t too painful maybe we can sit in on one of their counseling sessions as they seek reconciliation. ”
You know, the more I learn about conservative Christians and their “loving” ways, the more appalled I am.
Speaking as a gay man, married to another man and a Christian: Stop this nonsense. What compassionate person would want to record and publish such an intimate and personal experience as this couples’ counseling sessions?
This couple is a sad – but very clear example – of “God’s ways” as seen through the eyes of conservative American Christianity.
Really and truly – any couple which is in this mess needs the loving, respectful and discrete support of their friends, relations and – to the extent a conservative Christian church is even capable of such – their Church.
Disgusting, even allowing for the usual nastiness of fund-a-crites.
posted June 23, 2009 at 9:58 am
I think that Kate really brought this on herself. If she valued her children the way she says she does, she wouldn’t treat their father with so little respect.
The high divorce rate among parents of multiples should have been reason enough for Jon and Kate to turn to adoption as the solution to their infertility rather than playing God and having “fertility treatments.”
Now their adorable babies have to pay the price for their parents’ selfishness on every front imaginable.
posted June 23, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Ah, yes, so typically fundamentalist Christian – it’s the wife’s fault.
Yeah, right.
Buy a clue – she didn’t get eight kids through spontaneous generations. Even if his part in the whole matter was eight minutes total, he’s still 50% responsible for the mess their in.
Sheesh, when are you conservative Christians going to get past the woman-bashing?
posted June 23, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Panthera, you seem to have misconceptions about Christianity and a very skewed view toward the faith. I hope in the future the Christians in your life can offer you a more accurate representation of love, grace, and forgiveness than you are currently familiar with.
I’ve been through Christian marriage counseling. Given the format of the show it is plausible to offer a glimpse into that side of the family’s relations as well. It is less invasive than watching a marriage unravel on national tv.
Hopefully there is lots of supportive and discrete ministry going on as well. Without presenting the involvement of their pastor and local church could give the impression that the Gosselins are not seeking to follow the faith values they espouse and to follow through on the covenants they have devoted their lives to.
posted June 23, 2009 at 12:48 pm
This is the first time I have ever watched the show. I think there were very telling moments. Particularly two: When John said (paraphrase) “I need to do what’s best for myself and the kids, but the kids always come first”. I think that was a real Freudian slip. In John’s mind, just as in that statement, his needs come first. As far as Kate is concerned the “the show must go on” statement and mentality really scares me.
When I hear them both complain about life with the paparazzi, cameras, and people being curious about every aspect of their lives I think “then stop talking to the camera right this second and tell them to leave your house or you are calling the cops and prosecuting for trespassing”. It’s really simple, END THE SHOW! If you have a contract to fulfill either try to end it immediately out of concern for the children or simply do not renew it.
posted June 23, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Is anyone really surprised? How can anyone live their marriage with cameras in their face 24/7? Made them lots of money no doubt. Hope they put away some of the money…they’re going to need it.
The children are the real victims of this whole thing. 8 kids who have never known a time when they haven’t been filmed…now their folks are spliting, and no more cameras, hopefully. They will adjust, but will their parents?
posted June 23, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Steve,
Since I’m not an American Christian, I suppose my Christianity is wildly different to yours.
Quite right.
And yes, my experience with American Christians – at least the conservative ones – has been extremely negative.
They concentrate on everything except what the Lord told us to do, which was to love one another.
They attack my marriage, they attack transgender, they attack women who choose what is right for themselves.
They overwhelmingly support torture, they gave the world eight years of Bush#43, two nasty wars which have not end in sight, brokered a crop of terrorists who now feel they have real reason to hate the US.
They supported a regime which stripped Americans of civil rights, they support laws to take children away from gays and are, at this moment, working hard to have our marriages anulled where ever in the US they are granted.
If you want to get into a Bible based discussion about how all of that is God’s will, be happy to.
Frankly, this show manifests everything disgusting about conservative Christianity…
As for your tender suggestions of filming the counseling, are you out of your mind? These people already ruined their marriage whoring it out to the cameras.
posted June 23, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I think someone’s going to be paying a small fortune in chil support payments.
posted June 23, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I believe in Jon & Kate and their marriage and what can be accomplished and in their lives and the witness they can be to others in allowing the restoration of their marriage through God. No matter how far gone the circumstances may seem or be, there is always hope.
Please join with me in committing to pray and fast for this marriage and this family until restoration happens. If you are willing please sign and number this post. I know that it is possible and I believe that it will happen even when all hope seems gone, praise God!
1. Barbara
posted June 23, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I suspect he got out of child support by allowing the show to go on. You would think at the very least, they would rename the show.
Poor kids. It’s hard enough to go through a divorce in private. These kids have to go through the breakup of their family on national television.
This family has had enough exposure. It’s time to pull the plug on the Gosselins.
And to anyone who wants the show to go on so that they can watch this train wreck, shame on you.
posted June 24, 2009 at 7:46 am
GOD is the final producer of this show
What we or anyone else print in word will be nothing in the end. They (jon and kate)will answer to GOD. He alone will have “the words”
The most we can do as “the public” is pray for this family.
Especailly for the parent that is left dealing with the children on a daily basis.
One “spanking” doth not a bad parent make
posted June 24, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Your Name:
Um, I suspect God had very little to do with this disgusting piece of pseudo-Christian trash.
It’s more on the level of conservative Christian, mega-Church hypocrisy.
And what, if you don’t mind my asking is your reference on spanking? Did Jon admit to enjoying being spanked? Hmm, I guess I missed that.
posted June 24, 2009 at 9:59 pm
The sponsors should just pull the show. Enough already. Now we need to watch Jon & Kate separately, raising the “8″? I don’t think so. Only watched a couple of the shows in it’s 5(?) year run anyhow. Perhaps the kids have a chance of being normal if the camera’s are finally pulled!
posted June 27, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I enjoy watching the Jon & Kate Plus 8 Show and I’m so proud for both of their achievements. Whatever the circumstances are, when they joined together in matrimony they have promised to each other to be there not only in the good times but in the bad times as well. But now than ever personal differences must be put away especially for the well being of their children.
But this might only be a test or challenge from god for the both of you. I’m hopeful Jon realizes what he has – which is a great family – I wish I had. And to Kate I sympathize and understanding of what you would have to go through without Jon. When I first started watching the show I’ve always thought of Kate as a beautiful woman inside and out. Like I said earlier, I’m hopeful Jon come to its senses… and to Kate; I wouldn’t mind being part of such a beautiful family. With that said I’m hopeful for the both of you to find the means to put away your differences.