RHOP Star Mia Thornton Separates from Husband Gordon Thornton: ‘Family Is My No. 1 Priority’

Mia Thornton and husband Gordon Thornton have separated after 11 years of marriage, she tells PEOPLE exclusively.

“Like all marriages, ours has had its ups and downs,” says The Real Housewives of Potomac star, 38. “At this time, Gordon and I are separated, but my family is my number one priority, and I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure we are okay.”

“We ask that you respect our privacy and give us the time and space to figure things out,” she adds.

Mia and Gordon, 70, have been married since March 2012 and share son Jeremiah Carter, 8, and daughter Juliana, 6. Additionally, they each have one child from their previous relationships.

The couple’s marital woes are expected to play out season 8 of RHOP, which premieres Nov. 5 on Bravo. The pre-season trailer hinted at trouble between them, with Mia admitting that she once “obtained a divorce lawyer” during a difficult point in their relationship.

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