Governor John Hickenlooper and Helen Thorpe released this announcement today:

Joint statement from Gov. Hickenlooper and Helen Thorpe announcing separation

DENVER ­—Tuesday, July 31, 2012: Gov. John Hickenlooper and his wife, Helen Thorpe, issued the following joint statement today, announcing their decision to separate:

“After years of marriage that have added tremendous love and depth to both of our lives, we have decided to separate. This decision is mutual and amicable. We continue to have the utmost respect for each other, and we remain close friends. We intend to continue functioning as a family that spends a great deal of time together. In fact, we will embark on our annual family vacation together this week, share meals often, and plan to spend holidays together. You can continue to expect to see both of us out in the community – sometimes together, sometimes solo. Please feel free to include both of us in social gatherings as we will not find it awkward.

“Our chief concern right now is the well-being of our son, so we ask everyone to respect our privacy as we make this transition. While public office made this announcement necessary, it will be the only statement we make on this private matter. We want to thank our friends, family, and community for all of the support you have shown us as a couple and as individuals, and for the support we know you will provide as we move forward.”

Both the Governor and Ms. Thorpe want the public to know that neither has had an affair, that they did seek extended counseling, and that this decision is unrelated to the difficult events Colorado has faced this summer. While the Governor will be moving into the Governor’s Mansion, he will also continue to spend time with his son at their private home.

Over the years, 5280 has extensively covered John Hickenlooper’s and Helen Thorpe’s careers. To learn more about them, read these stories (including a personal essay by Thorpe):

The Happy Shrewdness of John W. Hickenlooper (August 2012), Maximillian Potter

The Two Lives of Helen Thorpe (October 2009), Natasha Gardner

Finding Motherland (May 2006), Helen Thorpe

Being John Hickenlooper (November 2004), Stuart Steers