On Aug. 29, Leah Remini shared with her followers news they likely were never expecting: she and her husband of 21 years, Angelo Pagán, were getting a divorce. Looking from the outside, the news is heartbreaking. After all, the two had been together since 1996, had been married since 2003, and share a 20-year-old daughter, Sofia. But, after reading Remini and Pagán statement on their split, it’s easy to see how the two are staying positive through it all.
“Well, here we are. After 28 years together and 21 years of marriage, we have decided to file for divorce,” the statement on Instagram began. In the photo, Remini and Pagán shared a side-by-side picture of them when they first started dating versus now – a true testament to how long they’ve been together.
“This decision came after a lot of thought and care, and as hard as divorce is, we are approaching this with a positive outlook because we know it’s what’s best for us,” the statement continued. “We are proud of how we have worked through this together.”
The two then reassured everyone that indeed this is a heartbreaking time for them, but they know it’s all for the right reasons. “Yes, we’re sad, and we’ve got some figuring out to do as we continue to move forward into our new normal—together still in many ways, and apart in some new ones,” they wrote. “But here’s the thing: we’ve been best friends for so many years. We are still celebrating holidays together, watching our favorite TV shows together, and gathering as a family.”
The touching statement then got detailed about why they decided to end things, a detail that’s so often kept quiet in the celebrity world.
“To put it simply, we both changed, as people do, and we got used to playing roles that didn’t fit us anymore,” they wrote. “After a lot of effort and consideration, we’ve decided to take this step, which reflects who we are today.”
Nevertheless, the former pair will forever consider their union a “huge success.” “We think a marriage that lasted this long and created so many beautiful memories, especially raising our incredible daughter, is something to celebrate,” they wrote. “And now, we’re looking forward to creating even more cherished moments—just in a different way.”
“We would love for everyone to have more access to different kinds of relationship stories and not feel so isolated in navigating the changes that millions of couples make every year,” the statement continued, sharing why they decided to be so candid in the first place. “We hope our journey can inspire others to see that relationships—whether they change or end—aren’t failures.”
To anyone out there reading, whether they’ve been through a divorce or a breakup after years together, the words surely resonate. After all, a relationship ending does not make it a failure, it can solely be the end of a chapter, and the beginning of the next.
In the comments, followers are reiterating just that. “A successful relationship! There is no such thing as failure when you’ve lived, loved, raised a child, and agreed to keep growing!” wrote one commenter. “I applaud you and wish you both all the best and so much love.”
“28 years is a beautiful, successful marriage, no matter what!! ❤️” echoed another follower. “A chapter of friendship awaits. Sending love and strength as you navigate these new waters! ????”
Some of the couple’s celeb friends also shared their support. “Beautiful sentiment from two great friends who’ve loved each other greatly for the world to see. ❤️” wrote actress Yvette Nicole Brown. “WHO MAKES THE RULES… YOU DO!!” wrote George Lopez. “NOTHING BUT LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE BOTH OF YOU????????✨.” Looks like Remini and Pagán have started their new chapter filled with love, support and appreciation.
Before you go, click here for all the celebrity splits and divorces we never saw coming.
