Bill and Melinda Gates started as workplace romance that turned into 27 years of marriage

In a joint statement on Monday, the couple said the reason for their fissure is simple: “we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives."

"Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives," a tweet from the former pair reads. "We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation," it adds. Gates co-founded the tech giant with Paul Allen in 1975 and acted as its CEO until 2000 when he left now-Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer at the helm.