So, what was the Jon and Kate Plus 8 announcement? Ugh. It’s true. Jon and Kate Gosselin announced that they are getting a divorce (or separation, as they say in the episode) – a Gosselin split has been rumored for some time.

During tonight’s one-hour Jon and Kate Plus 8, the kids got little crooked houses with different themes… but behind the scenes, we learned that Kate and Jon Gosselin have definitely gone through a bumpy patch and there is no turning back.

At one point in the show, Kate Gosselin said Jon has a lot of anger toward her. Jon said he doesn’t hate Kate, but he has to do what’s best for him and the kids.

Here’s a recap of the June 22 Jon & Kate Plus 8… leading up to their big announcement:

Kate explained that their marital problems have been going on for awhile – Jon said it’s been a hard 7 or 8 months and that this was the hardest episode to do because he didn’t know what to say. He was hours late to shoot because he didn’t know what to say.

Jon discussed the issue of paparazzi around them 24/7 and that he was too passive in the past, letting Kate rule the roost – now he’s standing on his own feet and is proud of it.

Kate said it’s a new chapter – which she believes would have played out whether the world was watching or not.

Jon said they have nothing now – it’s been a total breakdown of everything.

He also said it’s a roller coaster… sometimes you go off the tracks.

Kate emphasized that she doesn’t hate him either.

Both said they are focused on their kids.

Kate said she’s tired of smiling on the outside while crying on the inside… she said she doesn’t want to do it alone.

Jon talked about what’s happened with him and Kate – they have decided to separate.

Jon said it’s not good to argue in front of the kids, so they will split up.

Kate is not fond of the idea, but knows it’s necessary… she wants peace for the kids. The kids will remain in their house with Kate… Jon will come to the house when it’s his days.

Kate said it will be hard for them and not what she wanted for them… but it is the best and most peaceful for them.

Jon said he’ll always love Kate as the mother of his kids. Jon won’t be there every day and says he’ll miss them.

Kate said she’ll have time when she’ll need to be away from the house (doing PR, no doubt).

Kate hopes the happiness continues and says they’ll find happiness in the situation, saying they’ve always done the show for the kids.

Jon said they’ve come a long way… and then they showed a montage of memories from early seasons of Jon and Kate Plus 8.

Jon said he has a lot of fond memories of filming the show – he said he’ll still be in the show, but both will do so separately.

Kate worries about the label and how it will affect the kids – and that they’re another divorce statistic.

Jon admits he wasn’t the best communicator and that he’s hurt… but he’s excited about a new chapter.

Kate doesn’t want it to become a sob story, but is determined to see the good and positive of the situation. She said it’s a new beginning for her, while Jon says it’s going to be different but they’ll be there for their kids.

The show confirms that the two started the process for dissolving their marriage. So sad to have seen the Gosselin’s marriage crumble on a reality show and lead to divorce.

They ended the episode with a special fancy brunch for the family.

Kate talked about having to see the kids on holidays… it was not negotiable.

Jon said he’s trying to take it day by day; Kate said while no one’s perfect, she’s done her best to help them be the best they can be.

So, the news of Jon and Kate Gosselin separating/divorcing isn’t such a surprise… but it’s still sad, nonetheless.