Alabama Governor Speaks on Divorce Filing for First Time

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Gov. Robert Bentley says his divorce is a private matter and thanked people for their prayers in what he described as a “difficult time.”

The governor made his first public appearance Wednesday since first Lady Dianne Bentley filed papers last week to end their 50-year marriage.

Bentley declined to comment further about the couple’s split after speaking to reporters following his speech to an economic development group. Bentley says it’s a “private matter that we’re working through.”

Dianne Bentley filed for divorce Friday, saying their 50-year marriage had suffered an irretrievable breakdown.

A judge on Monday sealed the divorce file from public view.