Jon released a statement of his own, in it says: “This afternoon, Kate filed for divorce. 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,” Jon’s statement continued, “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.”

Jon, who admitted that he “wasn’t always the greatest communicator,” added, “I’m excited and hurt at the same time because I have a new chapter in my life — I’m only 32 years old.”

Jon and Kate Gosselin, of the TLC reality show Jon & Kate Plus 8, publicly announced on Monday night’s hour-long special that they are divorcing after eight kids — five-year-old sextuplets and eight-year-old twin girls — and ten years of marriage. An onscreen graphic at the end of tonight’s show disclosed that legal proceedings to dissolve the Gosselins’ marriage have begun in a Pennsylvania court.

“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 Monday night. “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.”


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