According to CNN, Robert De Niro has commented on recent reports that he and his wife Grace Hightower have separated. De Niro said, "Grace and I have two beautiful children together. I honor Grace as a wonderful mother and ask for privacy and respect from all as we proceed to develop our roles as partners in parenting." The couple met when Hightower was working as a hostess at a Mr. Chow restaurant and married in 1997. The pair have had marital issues in the past.