Arnold Schwarzenegger has spoken out for the first time since he and Maria Shriver announced their separation.
“I just talked to Maria an hour ago before I came here and we both were saying the same thing we are amazed to be extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people and so many wonderful friends,” Schwarzenegger said at the 63rd Israel Independence Day Celebration at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
“We both love each other very much,” the actor and former Governor of California continued. “We are very fortunate that we have four extraordinary children and we’re taking one day at a time.”
Adding, “But the bottom line is I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the people for their great, great support.”
On Monday, after 25 years together, Schwarzenegger, 63, and Shriver, 55, announced their split in a joint statement saying that this is “a time of great personal and professional transition.”
“After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion, and prayer, we came to this decision together,” the statement continued. “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.”
On Tuesday, the couple’s daughter, Katherine Tweeted, “Just wanted to thank everyone for the sweet comments and ur concern and love in this changing time! It means a lot!”
Their son, Patrick also Tweeted on Tuesday, writing, “Appreciate all your messages. Small speed bump I’n life, luckily we own hummers, we will cruise right over it. All will be okay. #peace”
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