Former New York mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, have announced their plans to separate after nearly 30 years of marriage. McCray confirmed the news in an email to The Washington Post.
The couple made their separation public in an announcement published in the New York Times on Wednesday. According to McCray, they made the decision about two months ago. However, they will not be filing for divorce and will continue to live together in their Brooklyn townhouse while dating other people.
McCray stated, “We will live with greater independence from each other. It’s fair to say the relationship was not fulfilling for us anymore.” The couple chose to go public with their announcement to avoid any misconceptions about their actions and behavior.
In a three-hour interview with the Times, de Blasio and McCray revealed that their relationship had become stale in recent years, and they had lost the spark. They both felt the need for a change. The challenges posed by the pandemic and de Blasio’s unsuccessful presidential bid in 2020 also strained their relationship.
De Blasio tweeted, “Even at this moment of change, this is a love story.” However, he did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Both de Blasio and McCray acknowledged that de Blasio’s tenure as New York mayor contributed to their separation. The overwhelming schedule and constant tasks took a toll on their relationship, according to de Blasio.
The former mayor also expressed doubts about their relationship due to an article McCray wrote in 1979 titled “I Am a Lesbian.” In the article, McCray revealed her preference for women before getting married and having children. De Blasio admitted that he sometimes wondered if this would become a source of regret in the future.
De Blasio, who is White, and McCray, who is Black, first met in the ’90s while working under former New York mayor David Dinkins, the city’s first Black mayor. They tied the knot in 1994 and have two adult children.
During their time in the spotlight, McCray led the mental health program ThriveNYC, while de Blasio became a prominent figure as New York mayor. McCray currently works as a senior adviser at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, while de Blasio is a visiting professor at New York University.
McCray expressed surprise and relief at the mostly positive feedback she received after announcing their separation. She hopes that people will be inspired by their love for each other and their children as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.
“We were hoping that people would understand that our romance is over, but the love remains,” McCray said. “I hope people are inspired by how much we love each other and our kids, and how we are figuring out together how to move forward.”
How did the demands of de Blasio’s job as mayor contribute to the couple growing apart both personally and emotionally?
Grown apart both personally and emotionally. They both acknowledged that they had been drifting apart for some time and that their careers and interests had taken them in different directions. De Blasio, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2021, expressed that the demands of his job had taken a toll on their relationship.
As public figures, de Blasio and McCray wanted to address the situation proactively to avoid any speculation or rumors. They emphasized that their decision to separate was mutual and amicable. They also emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their two children, Dante and Chiara, and maintaining a strong family unit.
De Blasio and McCray’s decision to continue living together while dating other people may seem unconventional to some, but they believe it is the best arrangement for them at this time. They stressed that they were not ruling out the possibility of reconciliation in the future, but for now, they wanted the freedom to explore new relationships while remaining respectful and supportive of one another.
Their announcement has received both support and understanding from friends and colleagues. Many recognize that long-term relationships can evolve and change over time, and it takes courage to acknowledge when a partnership is no longer working. The couple’s decision to prioritize their own happiness and personal growth is seen as a positive step forward.
De Blasio and McCray’s separation is a private matter, but their decision to share it publicly reflects their commitment to transparency and honesty. By opening up about their struggles, they hope to challenge the stigma surrounding failed relationships and promote a more compassionate and understanding society.
It’s always sad to hear about a separation, especially after such a long time together. Wishing both Bill de Blasio and Chirlane McCray the utmost happiness and fulfillment in their new paths.