Arnold Schwarzenegger is grateful for the support he has received in the wake of his split from Maria Shriver, insisting he feels "extremely blessed" by the outpouring of love from his friends and family.
The movie star/politician announced on Monday (09May11) he has parted ways with Shriver after 25 years of marriage.
In a statement, the couple said, "This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us. 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."
Schwarzenegger addressed the break-up while attending the 63rd Israel Independence Day Celebration in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (10May11) to accept an award for enhancing the economic ties between California and Israel.
He told the audience, "I want to take a moment and thank our many friends and family for the tremendous amount of support and love that you have given us in the last 24 hours.
"I just spoke to Maria an hour ago before I came here. We both were saying the same thing - we're extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people, by so many wonderful friends."
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