Washington [US], May 4 (ANI): Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates announced the decision to end their marriage after 27 years, saying "we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives".

Bill and Melinda said in a joint statement which was shared by the Microsoft co-founder on Twitter.

"After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage. Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable people to lead healthy, productive lives," read the statement.

However, the duo said they will continue to together at BillMelinda Gates Foundation.

"Both Bill and Melinda had already made giving away their wealth through philanthropy a shared priority and said that they will continue to work together at their foundation," the statement said.

"We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives. We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life." (ANI)