"While this was not an easy decision, we know it's the best choice for both of us," they said, in a joint statement.
Kim and Barry Plath are officially calling it quits after being married for a little over two decades. The Welcome to Plathville stars confirmed the news of their separation to PEOPLE via an exclusive statement.
"After considerable thought and discussion, we have decided to end our marriage," said Kim, 49, and Barry, 54. "While this was not an easy decision, we know it's the best choice for both of us. We have been through many highs and lows in our 24 years of marriage and as we navigate this new chapter in our lives, we will co-parent our amazing children."
In season four of the show, their marriage and their decision to divorce were discussed. "I can't help but feel a little betrayed," Barry said in a preview that aired on June 27, 2022. "One thing I thought wouldn't ever be shaken was us. Now it's totally shaken up. It's just really sad. It's a tragedy."
"I look at her and I see a woman who feels trapped. I have bought flowers and bought presents, but I'm still an optimist hoping that she'll change," he added. Kim, too, spoke to Barry about her side, and told him, "I just feel like I've been hurt too much."
Kim and Barry Plath Hint at Divorce on 'Welcome to Plathville' - Distractify https://t.co/z5daBwfWDZ pic.twitter.com/aC3F2mOoEM
— Steven Benke (@stevebenke) June 12, 2022
He then asked Kim why she was being "selfish." She asked him, "Do you want me to stay knowing that I'm not happy?"
Meanwhile, Kim and Barry's daughter Moriah Plath spoke about her parents' separation, saying that she had been aware of it for a while now. "I've known for months before anything actually happened, months before they actually decided to separate," the 19-year-old said. "I knew that they were struggling."
She then spoke about how she really felt about the news of her parents' divorce. "At the end of the day, I just want her and my dad to be happy," she said. "It's really hard because they both want different things, so it's hard watching. I want my dad to be happy, but this is tearing him apart, but my mom's not going to be happy with my dad."
"So it's just—I don't know, people change," she added. "Things fall apart sometimes. You just got to be able to be there for yourself at the end of the day."
Welcome to Plathville’s Barry Plath Feels ‘Betrayed’ & ‘Lonely’ As Kim Pushes For Divorce! https://t.co/0hFEA0yMQm
— How To Finance (@howto_finance) June 28, 2022
Kim and Barry, who got married in July 1997, have 10 children together—Moriah, Ethan Plath, Hosanna Plath, Micah Plath, Lydia Plath, Isaac Plath, Amber Plath, Cassia Plath, and Mercy Plath. They also had a son, Joshua, who died when he was just 17 months old.
References:
https://people.com/tv/welcome-to-plathville-kim-and-barry-plath-end-marriage/
Cover Image Source: IMDb | Welcome To Plathville