Robert De Niro breaks silence after splitting from wife Grace Hightower

Robert De Niro confirmed that he and wife Grace Hightower have split in a statement Tuesday that praised his ex as a “wonderful mother,” and asked for privacy as they navigate their new normal.

“Grace and I have two beautiful children together. We are entering a period of transition in our relationship which is a difficult but constructive process,” the statement read.

“I honor Grace as a wonderful mother and ask for privacy and respect from all as we proceed to develop our roles as partners in parenting.”

Reports first surfaced earlier this month that the Oscar-winning actor, 75, and Hightower, 63, had called it quits after 21 years of marriage.

The two were said to have separated and moved apart just before Thanksgiving, according to People.

De Niro and Hightower – who dated for 10 years before marrying in 1997 – had two children together: Elliott, 20, and Helen Grace, 6, whom they welcomed via surrogate.

The couple briefly split in 1999 when the “Goodfellas” star filed for divorce, but they eventually reconciled before it was finalized, and renewed their vows in 2004.