"Jon & Kate Plus 8" reality star Jon Gosselin is opening up in a statement to ET about the recent announcement that he is separating from his wife Kate.

"Yesterday, Kate filed for divorce. Our kids are still my number one priority. I love them and want to make sure they stay happy, healthy and safe," he said in his statement regarding the initial divorce papers that were filed on Monday.

"My job is being the best, most supportive and loving father that I can be to my kids, and not being married to Kate doesn't change that. This will be a difficult transition for all of us, but Kate and I will work out a schedule that enables our kids to have plenty of quality time with both of us at home in Pennsylvania."

Jon and Kate announced their separation on their TLC reality show Monday night. "I am deeply saddened that we are divorcing, and also hurt by the statement Kate made last night about the divorce. I have always done everything I can to protect our family."

He comments on his Father's Day, "This weekend, I was home with the kids for four days, just being a dad. No nannies, just the kids and me. In fact, with the exception of Aaden's visit to the doctor, I couldn't have imagined a better way to spend Fathers Day weekend."

Jon continues, "The one thing I do agree with in Kate's statement is her desire to resolve things amicably. Of course emotions are running high for both of us right now, but for the sake of our children and our family's privacy, I hope that we can both limit our public comments about the legal proceedings going forward."

"Jon & Kate Plus 8" airs on TLC Mondays at 9 p.m. (EST/PST). Click HERE to see Kate's reaction to the split.