Former Extreme Weight Loss trainers and hosts Chris Powell and wife Heidi have split.
The pair announced their decision to separate after almost a decade of marriage on Friday, in a joint statement posted on Instagram.
"We have some difficult news to share with you today, and hope it's received with the compassion and love we need right now. It is with much thought, prayer, and love that Heidi and I have decided to separate as husband and wife," read a post on Chris' account, shared alongside a smiling photo of the pair.
"While this may come as quite a shock to many of you, please know that this decision was made over the course of many months on a quest to create the best dynamic for our modern family, and we are now in a great place," they continued. "While we feel an immense amount of sadness from the ending of one chapter, there is also an overwhelming amount of hope, peace, and love as we move into this next chapter with a slightly different-looking relationship."
Chris and Heidi went on to reiterate that they will "always be a family, bound by 4 amazingly beautiful children (and 2 dads)." The pair share son Cash, 8, and daughter Ruby, 6. Heidi is also a mother to two children from a previous marriage.
Although one chapter has closed for Chris and Heidi, they assured fans that "the relationship between us will only continue to strengthen."
"Over time you'll realize that what we have is more than just a marriage. It's a true and beautiful life partnership — one we are both incredibly grateful for," they continued. "Our only ask in all of this is that you please be kind and respect our kids during this time by allowing us a little extra privacy."
"Thank you for loving us...exactly as we are," the lengthy statement concluded.
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Less than a month before announcing news of their split, Chris posted a heartfelt Mother's Day tribute to Heidi, calling her a "superwoman."
"I am so proud of how our kids treat others with compassion and empathy, how hard they work, and how much they love and respect each other (most of the time). And I know A LOT of that has to do with the strong female role model they have," he wrote alongside a family photo. "We are so grateful for the sacrifices you make to help us live our best lives. Kick your feet up (even though I know how hard that is for you to do 😉) and enjoy today! We love you!!"
In March, he also shared a sweet message to Heidi in honor of her birthday.
"Not to get all sappy, but your existence on this earth has made such a profound impact in thousands of lives over the past 38 years — and you can add me to the top of that list," he wrote. "You are such an amazing mother, teacher, coach and friend. And best of all, you are just now spreading your wings and exploring what you are truly capable of. I can't wait to see what you create for yourself in the future!!! I'll always be cheering you on."
While celebrating their most recent wedding anniversary in June 2019, Heidi wrote that although the past nine years had been the "hardest" in her life, they were also the most precious.
"Nine years.👰🏼💕🤵🏼 Not to be mistaken for 9 easy years. No way. 9 of the HARDEST years of my life. Hardest, yet also the BEST. After all, the most precious things in life are made under pressure... diamonds 💎, babies 👶🏼, & of course a lasting marriage," she wrote alongside several throwback photos, adding that through "trials & tribulations, the most beautiful breakthroughs can happen and we come out stronger on the other end."
In a post shared on her website earlier that year, Heidi said that they had saved their marriage by having sex every day for 30 days.
"I would say you are my ride or die. But you are more than that. You are my best friend, my example, & my partner in crime, business, and parenthood. Thank you for loving me (or at least trying to) the many times you certainly didn't need to. I love and appreciate who you are more than I think you will ever know or believe. Thank you for being my other half," she added. "Cheers to 9 🥂 and to many, MANY more to come."
