The Buckingham

Photo Credit: www.gawker.com

John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado, and his wife of 10 years, Helen Thorpe, announced on July 31, that they will be separating.

The Governor’s Office released the following joint statement:

“After years of marriage that have added tremendous love and depth to both of our lives, we have decided to separate. This decision is mutual and amicable. We continue to have the utmost respect for each other, and we remain close friends. We intend to continue functioning as a family that spends a great deal of time together. In fact, we will embark on our annual family vacation together this week, share meals often, and plan to spend holidays together. You can continue to expect to see both of us out in the community – sometimes together, sometimes solo. Please feel free to include both of us in social gatherings as we will not find it awkward. Our chief concern right now is the well-being of our son, so we ask everyone to respect our privacy as we make this transition. While public office made this announcement necessary, it will be the only statement we make on this private matter. We want to thank our friends, family, and community for all of the support you have shown us as a couple and as individuals, and for the support we know you will provide as we move forward.”

Towards the bottom of the statement, the Governor and his wife wanted to assure the public that neither had had an affair, did seek counseling, and that their decision was unrelated to the events Colorado has faced this summer.

Hickenlooper will now be moving into the Governor’s Mansion in Denver.  Prior to their split, the Governor’s Cabinet members had lived in the home, since the Governor and his wife lived in a private residence with their 10-year-old son Teddy.