Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau have announced they are separating after 18 years of marriage.
In statements posted to Instagram they each say that "after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate."
They add that "For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy."
They will share custody of their three children, 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and nine-year-old Hadrien.
The Liberals confirm that Trudeau will continue to live at Rideau Cottage and the children will primarily live there.
Gregoire Trudeau has moved to another home in Ottawa but will spend time at the cottage with her children, including during Trudeau's frequent travels.
The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement the couple have signed a separation agreement "to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward."
The statement said Canadians can expect to still see the family together and that they will vacation together next week.
Gregoire Trudeau, however, has played a less-visible role in recent years, rarely travelling with the prime minister on official trips.
They were seen together publicly at Canada Day events in Ottawa last month.
The 51-year-old Trudeau and 48-year-old Gregoire Trudeau were married May 28th, 2005, at a ceremony in Montreal.
They first met as children when she was a classmate of his youngest brother, Michel, and reconnected as adults when they co-hosted a charity gala in 2003.
In his 2014 autobiography "Common Ground," which Trudeau dedicated to his wife as his "best friend, partner and soulmate," he spoke about his marriage, saying it had "difficult ups and downs" but that they were true partners.
Trudeau is the second prime minister to announce a separation while in office.
His father, Pierre Trudeau, separated from wife Margaret in 1977 and the two divorced in 1984.