Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and his wife Amy have released a joint statement announcing they are separating.

“As people close to our family are aware, we recently agreed to separate,” the email from the mayor’s office says. “This is a personal and private matter for our family, and contrary to false rumours being spread online, it is a mutual decision that we made amicably and together.

“We appreciate understanding and privacy, especially for our kids.”

The couple has four children together.

The mayor and his wife declined further comment.