Jenny Sanford Files for Divorce

South Carolina’s first lady is ending her marriage after what she calls “many unsuccessful efforts at reconciliation” following her husband’s affair. Rebecca Dana on women who fight back.

By The Daily BeastDec 11, 2009

South Carolina’s first lady is ending her marriage after what she calls “many unsuccessful efforts at reconciliation” following her husband’s affair. Rebecca Dana on Sanford and other women who came out swinging this year. Plus, view our gallery of women who fought back.

Jenny Sanford has had enough of the Appalachian Trail jokes. On Friday morning she released a statement stating that she is filing for a divorce from disgraced South Carolina love-guv Mark Sanford, who cheated on her with an Argentinean woman in one of the year's most publicized scandals:

As so many of us know, the dissolution of any marriage is a sad and painful process. It is also a very personal and private one. Because Mark and I are public figures, we have naturally had less privacy with which to deal with our difficulties than do other couples. Indeed, I know it will soon become known so I choose to release this brief notice that I am now filing for divorce. This came after many unsuccessful efforts at reconciliation, yet I am still dedicated to keeping the process that lies ahead peaceful for our family.

I remain thankful to so many across this state and nation for their words of encouragement and prayers during this difficult time. Please know the boys and I are doing well and are blessed with the incredible support of friends and family and bolstered by our faith and the unfailing love of our God above.