Ex-Food Network Stars Pat And Gina Neely To Divorce After 20 Years Of Marriage

Pat and Gina Neely have sadly decided to split after 20 years of marriage.                                             

The celebrity chefs, who rose to prominence for hosting Food Network's reality cooking TV show "Down Home with the Neelys," announced that they are going their separate ways in a joint statement released to Memphis, Tennessee news channel WMC News 5 Friday, Sept. 26.

"Today we announce that we are ending our marriage of 20 years for irreconcilable differences. This was a tough decision, but we believe it is the best decision for us," the estranged couple said. "As parents of two beautiful adult daughters that we love dearly, we will continue to be involved in each other's lives as parents and friends."

"Together we have built a strong brand as The Neely's," continued the best-selling authors who recently released a new book, "Back Home with the Neelys: Comfort Food from our Southern Kitchen to Yours."

"Moving forward our focus will be on our individual brands and we are optimistic about our respective futures. We ask for your prayers as we go through this transition and honor our request for privacy at this time," they added.

Pat and Gina previously closed their Memphis barbecue restaurant chain to focus on their individual projects on the national level, but they still own a barbecue restaurant in New York City.

Gina lost 20 lbs. doing a weight-loss challenge with the George Foreman Grill brand, according to People. She has also been busy with her new line of Green Giant foods.

Pat, 50, on the other hand, has recently worked solo with My Family Dollar sharing tips with people on  how to food shop on a budget.

Gina already filed for divorce papers, and the court is now waiting for Pat's response.

According to the court documents obtained by TMZ, Gina and Pat have already been separated for two years.

The estranged husband and wife own four properties together, including some of the closed restaurants. And in the event that the two cannot come to an agreement on how to dissolve or split their holdings, the court would be the one to decide for them.

The two dated way back in high school and are parents to two daughters: Shelbi and Spenser, Gina's daughter from a previous marriage. Both Shelbi and Spencer are over 18, so there is no child support needed.