In a joint statement the duo explained, “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.”

They also went on to say, that they were continuing to be parents to their four children together and their children are the light and center of both their lives, “We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the center of both of our lives,” their statement continued. “We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment. We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public.”

Schwarzenegger is keeping a very tight lip about his separation from Shriver, he was spotted leaving Barney’s New York in Beverly Hills early Monday, when asked about his situation, he simply waved and smiled to the paparazzi as he drove away.

Schwarzenegger ran for governor of California back in 2003, Schwarzenegger being a Republican and Maria a descendant from Kennedy- faced down reports that he had groped a number of women during his movie career. Shriver, who pressed pause on her career at NBC News to be the first lady of California, stood by her man and he governed the Golden State until this past January.

Since leaving Sacramento, Arnold has appeared poised to jump right back into the biz, lending his inimitable accent to a new animated series called The Governor and dropping hints that he’s mulling another Terminator flick. He also went to Cannes to receive the Legion D’Honneur.

Shriver, on the other hand, took their oldest son on a tour of East Coast colleges and then traveled to the Bahamas in April.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Shriver moved out of their Brentwood mansion a few weeks ago.

(Parts of this article were incorporated from E!Newonline.com)