Bill and Melinda Gates announce split

What they're saying: "After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage," the statement reads.

• "Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives."
• "We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue to work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives."
• A spokesperson for Melinda Gates' Pivotal Ventures said that Melinda and Bill Gates will remain co-chairs and trustees of the foundation and that no changes to the organization are planned.

Representatives for both were not immediately available for further comment.