It's official: After months of tabloid surveillance on their every move and speculation that their 10-year marriage was kaput, 'Jon & Kate Plus 8' stars Jon and Kate Gosselin admitted on Monday night's episode that they are indeed splitting up. The news came after People.com had reported that the Gosselins had filed divorce papers in Pennsylvania."We don't have anything now. It's just like two people who happen to live here," Jon acknowledged during the episode. In a separate interview, Kate said, "I'm tired of smiling on the outside when I'm crying on the inside."
But while their marriage is dissolving, the show will go on. The pair revealed they would continue taping while sharing custody of their 5-year-old sextuplets and 8-year-old twins.
"The kids will remain living in their house. I will remain here as well during my portion of having them," Kate said. But Jon, who reportedly has been apartment hunting in New York City, added, "I could get offered a job and that will change the whole schedule. I have a new chapter in my life. I'm 32 years old."
Variety confirmed that the show will continue, though TLC faces a challenge in deciding how to refocus the series. Ratings had already begun to slip after the season 5 premiere in May, and it remains to be seen if viewers will continue to tune in given the sad turn the Gosselins' life has taken.
Next week, instead of a new episode, TLC will air a special, 'Jon and Kate Plus 8: The First 10 Years.'
Jon and Kate Gosselin Photos
FILE - In this file publicity image released by TLC, reality TV stars, Jon Gosselin, left, and his wife Kate Gosselin, from the TLC series, "Jon & Kate Plus 8," are shown. (AP Photo/TLC, Karen Alquist, File) ** NO SALES **
AP
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Kate Gosselin from the hit TLC reality TV show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" appears to be having a stressful day. After chatting on her cell phone Kate becomes increasingly frustrated and spanks one of her daughters, who bursts into tears. Moments later, the police arrive and Kate can be seen talking to the officers before carrying on happily with another cell phone conversation. EXCLUSIVE June 13, 2009 Job: 90613W8 Reading, Pennsylvania www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
ANT GRIFFITH/bauergriffinonline.
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Kate Gosselin has a busy day filled with shopping and running errands. Although she is a mother of eight, she is only spotted out with one of her daughters and a body guard. Kate stops at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and finishes her day at the grocery store. NON-EXCLUSIVE June 14, 2009 Job: 90614W8 Reading, Pennsylvania www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
ANT GRIFFITH/bauergriffinonline.com
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Kate Gosselin has a busy day filled with shopping and running errands. Although she is a mother of eight, she is only spotted out with one of her daughters and a body guard. Kate stops at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and finishes her day at the grocery store. NON-EXCLUSIVE June 14, 2009 Job: 90614W8 Reading, Pennsylvania www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
ANT GRIFFITH/bauergriffinonline.com
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Kate Gosselin has a busy day filled with shopping and running errands. Although she is a mother of eight, she is only spotted out with one of her daughters and a body guard. Kate stops at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and finishes her day at the grocery store. NON-EXCLUSIVE June 14, 2009 Job: 90614W8 Reading, Pennsylvania www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
ANT GRIFFITH/bauergriffinonline.com
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Kate Gosselin has a busy day filled with shopping and running errands. Although she is a mother of eight, she is only spotted out with one of her daughters and a body guard. Kate stops at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and finishes her day at the grocery store. NON-EXCLUSIVE June 14, 2009 Job: 90614W8 Reading, Pennsylvania www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
ANT GRIFFITH/bauergriffinonline.com
In this photo taken Thursday, May 28, 2009, magazines featuring Kate Gosselin are seen on a small table in Lotus Salon in Wernersville, Pa. Jon, Kate and their eight have attracted a huge TV audience and a state labor investigation. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor says it's looking into whether the hit reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" is complying with the state's child labor law, given the tender ages of its stars. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP
** FOR STORY SLUGGED FAMA ** FILE - This undated file publicity image released by TLC shows reality TV stars, Jon Gosselin, left, and his wife Kate Gosselin, from the TLC series, "Jon & Kate Plus 8." (AP Photo/TLC, Karen Alquist, File) ** NO SALES **
AP
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Jon and Kate Gosselin of the hit TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" finish filming an episode where they receive their own choppers (motorcycles) from the Orange County Choppers of the other TLC show, "American Chopper." Kate relaxes on the lawn with some of her kids while Jon takes his new ride for a spin. Meanwhile, one of the bodyguards takes on a parental role with one of the children. NON-EXCLUSIVE May 22, 2009 Job: 90523X1 Reading, Pennsylvania www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
ANT GRIFFITH/bauergriffinonline.com
©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Jon and Kate Gosselin of the hit TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" finish filming an episode where they receive their own choppers (motorcycles) from the Orange County Choppers of the other TLC show, "American Chopper." Kate relaxes on the lawn with some of her kids while Jon takes his new ride for a spin. Meanwhile, one of the bodyguards takes on a parental role with one of the children. NON-EXCLUSIVE May 22, 2009 Job: 90523X1 Reading, Pennsylvania www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com
ANT GRIFFITH/bauergriffinonline.com
Reader Comments (80)
Trish at 12:17PM on Jun 23rd 2009
well i think that kate actually ran him off because of her naggin and being too bossy. But it does'nt give him the right to cheat on her. The kids WILL suffer from this.
Marcia at 3:37PM on Jun 23rd 2009
How about jon & kate plus marriage counselor???
mary morrix at 2:05PM on Jun 23rd 2009
jon go back 2 work kate dont be so hateful i am raising 3 grandkids u have destroy my 11 granddaughter heart u r in my prayers believe and god will see u through we love the kids
cranedarlene at 2:05PM on Jun 23rd 2009
This show should be turned off. But I'm sure it won't. Too many people love to look at car wrecks and this one is a whole traffic jam.
Lori walker at 2:05PM on Jun 23rd 2009
Why is there no mention of help here Therapy is a must to continue the friendship Jon makes referrence to and the kids He needs it very badly he's very depressed and has been since childhood
lorrie geary at 2:10PM on Jun 23rd 2009
eight kids child support dont wanna pay that. He should have stopped the bossy one all along. For the sake of the kids they should make a go of it. Turn the cameras off and try for a normal life.
Terri at 2:12PM on Jun 23rd 2009
I've been watching this show since the beginning... is it just me or has anyone else noticed that while Jon is a nice guy, he never really seemed to be involved or aware of anything unless Kate nagged him out of his spaced out self. I think Jon bit off more than he thought he could chew when the babies were born and it threw him for a loop. Now he's woken up to 32 yrs old and 8 kids...OMG where's my life gone??? Shoulda thought of that before having the kids Jon. Hello. What did you think your life was gonna be?? Kate was nagging because she had to. Sound familier to any of you women with husbands and kids?
brenda at 2:13PM on Jun 23rd 2009
What happened to theraphy or trying to work things out. They obviously were too young when they were married and too immature to have this many children. Grow up and take responsibility for your family. Jon does not seem upset at all.
Antbis
Jennifer Cheshier at 2:34PM on Jun 23rd 2009
THEY BOTH NEED TO GROW UP, TURN OFF THE CAMERAS, GET OFF THEIR HIGH HORSE, AND STAY TOGETHER AND RAISE THOSE CHILDREN TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Josie Jones at 2:14PM on Jun 23rd 2009
The show should stop production--no more Jon and Kate---at all
Jon has lost it and is a swollen-looking child-
His clothes and earrings are sickening and he said
he is "excited in a way" about new beginnings. What a jerk with 8 kids in the picture- He realizes he has been a loser; lazy person and all of a sudden wants to act like a cool macho.
No fan of Kates but at least she worked and made money for the family--she did go overboard with the freebies--but she did work and get them better things.
Jon should hide--he is a loser with his skanky
dates--he couldnt wait until the separation or divorce--what a shame for these kids