LuAnn de Lesseps is speaking out about her split from her husband Count Alex de Lesseps. “It’s been really difficult for me,” The Real Housewives of New York City star told Us at a Whole Foods event in NYC Monday. “I just need time.”

She also spoke to People in their new issue, and recalled the shocking email she received from her husband – “It said that he had met someone and they were serious.” LuAnn says she was devastated at the news. She also says breaking the news to the couple’s two children, Noel, 12, and Victoria, 14, has “probably been the hardest part.”

She’s also having a difficult time getting up everyday to promote her new book, Class with the Countess, an autobiographical etiquette guide that hits bookstores April 16. “When I wrote the book I felt very secure,” says de Lesseps. “And that’s totally changed.”

LuAnn goes to state that she plans on remaining friends with the Count and doing what is best for her children. But will she remain a Countess? “Absolutely, darling!” she told Us. “I’ll always be the Countess!” And there you have it, she will always be the Countess!

In very shocking news, the NY Post is reporting today that LuAnn de Lesseps has seperated from her husband of 16 years, Count de Lesseps. LuAnn’s rep also confirms the separation.

According to the post, LuAnn found out her husband had been cheating on her with another woman. A close pal said, “They decided to separate. She got wind he was seeing somebody and he didn’t answer her when she called. He finally sent her an e-mail saying he was with an Ethiopian woman in Geneva and he was serious with her.”

The couple recently celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary on March 16th. Those who are familiar with the Real Housewives on New York show know that LuAnn’s husband was always away in Europe on trips. Friends of LuAnn say she was blindsided and is devastated.

A rep for Luann states, “It is obviously a very difficult time for the countess and count, but they plan to remain friends and their primary focus will be to do what is best for their two children.”

This is sad story for all parties involved. Hopefully the kids will be okay.

Source – NY Post