Fans of Down Home With The Neelys lost their appetite Friday with the news that their favorite husband and wife cooking team has decided to call it quits after nearly 20 years of marriage.
According to TMZ, celebrity chef Gina Neely filed for divorce from her 50-year-old husband, Pat Neely.
In a joint statement released to Memphis news channel WMC News 5, the couple made the announcement that shocked fans.
“Today we announce that we are ending our marriage of 20 years for irreconcilable differences,” they said in the statement. “This was a tough decision, but we believe it is the best decision for us.
“Together we have built a strong brand as The Neelys,” said the couple, who are best known for working as a team on their show that began in 2008.”
Another Hollywood couple calls it quits: the Neelys are getting divorced! http://t.co/v2Z76Xrp7S pic.twitter.com/KoE2MaJ0E9
— E! Online (@eonline) September 27, 2014
“Moving forward our focus will be on our individual brands and we are optimistic about our respective futures,” they said in the statement.
According to documents filed by Gina, the bubbly cooking team have been separated for two years, which is even more shocking since you would never know they were experiencing difficulties while watching them interact on the show.
Celebrity Chefs Gina & Pat Neely File for Divorce
http://t.co/uKlrb0xx5y pic.twitter.com/CRQkZDtEH5
— 106.7 WTLC (@1067WTLC) September 27, 2014
Gina cites irreconcilable differences in the papers. However, the joint statement insinuated that they’re splitting on good terms and will continue to operate their famous New York City barbecue restaurant together.
The couple, who met in high school, have two adult daughters — Shelbi and Spenser Neely.
Memphis celebrity chefs, Gina and Pat Neely, file for divorce http://t.co/5dUgjmoSTH pic.twitter.com/yiUh16i6Kc
— WSFA 12 News (@wsfa12news) September 26, 2014