Bill Gates, co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft, tweeted Melinda Gates and he are divorcing.

The couple stayed together for 27 years, and they will continue working on their foundation together.

Bill Gates's tweet was signed by both Melinda and Bill, citing they can no longer grow together. Here is the tweet that became viral in a matter of seconds:

The Love Story Started At Microsoft

Bill and Melinda are among the best known couples in the world.

The two tied the knot in 1994 in Hawaii, and in 2000 they started one of the biggest philanthropic organizations.

Bill and Melinda Gates met in 1987 at Microsoft. At the time, Gates was the CEO, and Melinda, the Duke graduate, worked as a product manager.

The couple has three children: Jennifer, Phoebe and Rory Gates.

Despite being a high-profile couple, it is safe to say that the marriage was stable. Many are surprised by the couple's decision to end it.

Bill Is Not The Romantic Type

Though you don't see them often, there are several documentaries about the rise of the Gates family.

In Netflix's Inside Bill's Brain, the 63-year old talked about his relationship with his soon-to-be ex-wife. After dating for years, the couple was either going to get married or break up.

Bill said:

"You know, we cared a lot for each other and there were only two possibilities: either, we were going to break up or we were going to get married."

Melinda added:

"He had to make a decision."

Instead of following his heart, the future bride saw that "his whiteboard had the pros and the cons of getting married."

He wanted to get married, but as Melinda explained "he didn't know whether he could actually commit to it and [run] Microsoft."

Melinda was seeing other men, as the two had a somewhat casual relationship in the beginning. Bill had his job.

Eventually, the stars aligned, and despite the pending divorce, 27 years is still a success.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The now-former couple formed the largest private foundation in Seattle, in 2000.

Since 2008, Bill has been working for the foundation exclusively.

It has several divisions, in effort to provide better lives for people worldwide:

Global Development Division

Global Health Division

United States Division

Global Policy & Advocacy Division

Global Growth & Opportunity Division

The foundation helped millions, and there is comfort in knowing that both Melinda and Bill will stay active in their philanthropic roles.