Meryl Streep and her estranged husband share why they parted ways six years ago

21 October 2023 , 13:48

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The couple parted ways six years ago, with the news breaking today

Meryl Streep and her husband Don Gummer have seemingly provided an insight into the real reason why they parted ways six years ago, in the form of the actress' representative's statement.

In a statement given to The Mirror earlier today, Meryl's representative revealed that the couple who got married in 1978 after meeting in that same year "have chosen lives apart". The statement seemingly hinted at the real reason that they split.

The statement provided to The Mirror read: "Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart." This came after Page Six first reported on the couple's split.

READ NEXT: Inside Meryl Streep and husband Don's relationship after pair were introduced by her brother

Meryl Streep and her husband Don Gummer wed in 1978 (WireImage)

The estranged couple were married for more than 45 years and during their long union, they welcomed four children. Meryl and Don are parents to Henry Wolfe, 43; Mamie Gummer, 40; Grace Gummer, 37; and Louisa Jacobson, 30. They also share five grandchildren.

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The couple, who have now parted ways, were first introduced by Meryl's brother in 1978. They then tied the knot in ceremony at her parents' house in September of that year.

Meryl, now 74, and sculptor Don, who is now 76, got hitched just six months after the death of actor John Cazale, whom the Mamma Mia! actress lived with in the late 1970s. Meryl cared for him amid his lung cancer battle and admitted she "never got over" his death.

The couple parted ways six years ago, according to a new statement (Getty Images)

Speaking to People at the time, she said: "The death is still very much with me. It has forced me to confront my own mortality, and once you do that, you look at things differently."

Meryl, who is famed for her many film credits in hit blockbuster flicks like Mamma Mia! and The Devil Wears Prada, then became good friends with Don and he let her sublet his apartment in New York City, which is what sparked their romance. The newfound friends then began exchanging letters and their relationship developed into a romantic one.

Speaking about her marriage to Don in 2002 during a Vogue Magazine interview, Meryl revealed that the secret to her long-lasting marriage was "goodwill and willingness to bend - and to shut up every once in a while".

Mollie Quirk