After 25 years of marriage, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver have separated. Shriver, a journalist and Kennedy family member, moved out of the couple's mansion a few weeks ago while the two "work on the future of [their] relationship."

Shriver and Schwarzenegger, the former Governor of California, released a statement about the separation after "questions were raised" by the Los Angeles Times; it reads, in part:

"This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us," the statement read. "After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship.

"We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the center of both of our lives." We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment. "We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public."

There were clues that the two had split over the last two months, most significantly when Shriver appeared in a YouTube video, without a wedding ring, saying "It is so stressful to not know what you're doing next" and asking for advice about "transition" from supporters. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger had been traveling extensively, and without Shriver, since leaving office; he also signed on to act in three films, including a new Terminator movie.

Twenty-five years is a long time for a celebrity marriage, especially one that crossed over from Hollywood to Sacramento. If only there was an appropriate Schwarzenegger catchphrase — something that implied a goodbye, say — to use on hearing the news! (Also, let's just get this one out of the way: Arnold Divorcenegger.)

[LAT, image via AP]