The stars of one of Food Network’s more popular cooking shows: “Down Home with the Neelys,” Gina and Pat Neely, are seeking divorce. According to popular celebrity news outlets such as Huffington Post and TMZ, the couple are divorcing after twenty years of marriage. In a joint statement released by the parties, the couple says:
“Today we announce that we are ending our marriage of 20 years for irreconcilable differences. This was a tough decision, but we believe it is the best decision for us. As parents of two beautiful adult daughters that we love dearly, we will continue to be involved in each other’s lives as parents and friends. Together we have built a strong brand as The Neely’s. Moving forward our focus will be on our individual brands and we are optimistic about our respective futures. We ask for your prayers as we go through this transition and honor our request for privacy at this time.”
Although the couple recently announced their divorce, the couple has reportedly been separated for two years. The future of the couple’s show is in question. However, if the past couple years are any indication, the couple may indeed continue taping their cooking show and may also continue to author cooking books and undergo further endeavors as a couple because, even while separated, the couple continued to film “Down Home with the Neelys.”
Because the couple’s children are no longer minors, child custody and child support will not be issues of the Neeley’s divorce. Additionally, due to the success of the couple, it is likely that neither will seek spousal support. This leaves equitable division as the only viable issue of divorce between the couple. The way in which the couple divides their marital assets will likely depend largely on how they plan to handle their business partnership going forward. If the couple’s joint statement is any indication, the Neeleys will hopefully engage each other through the divorce process in a way that is both productive and respectful.