Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has filed for divorce from his wife of 42 years after their marriage was rocked by a corruption conviction in 2014.
The McDonnells were convicted after federal investigators said the family received more than $170,000 in gifts, cash or loans from a businessman. The US Supreme Court overturned the convictions in 2016.
The gifts included payments towards his daughter's wedding reception, a Rolex watch and vacations.
They were given by Jonnie R. Williams Sr., who wanted McDonnell to aid him with a dietary supplement his company had created, the Washington Post reported.
The McDonnells (pictured at Church in 2010) were never shy to show their affection for one and other as they cultivated an image of Christian familial unity
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Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is looked over by his wife, Maureen, and daughter, Jeanine, before he takes the stage at the Republican National Convention
In exchange for the gifts McDonnell allegedly allowed a luncheon business meeting held by Williams Sr. to be thrown at the governor's mansion.
He was also said to have let Williams Sr. fiddle with a guest list at the governor's reception for health care chiefs.
Bob was sentenced to two years, while Maureen received a year, but neither ended up serving time behind bars.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Monday that McDonnell confirmed to the paper that he filed the paperwork. He declined to comment further.
Online court records show that a Robert Francis McDonnell filed for divorce against Maureen Gardner McDonnell in November.
The attorney listed for Bob McDonnell, Reeves Mahoney, did not immediately return a phone call.
McDonnell leaves his trial at the US District Court with daughter Rachel (far left), daughter Jenanine and son Bobby
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen leave the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia during their trial in January 2014
Nancy White, supervisor of the Virginia Beach Circuit Court's civil division, said over the phone that a judge has sealed the case.
The 64-year-old was considered a rising political heavyweight within the GOP before the scandal broke.
The trial tarnished the Christian family-man image he had cultivated with the affectionate first lady in the press.
The McDonnells were high school sweethearts who stayed together as Bob went off to play football for Notre Dame while Maureen was a cheerleader for the Washington Redskins, the Post reported.
They married in 1976 and have five adult children together.
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