Former Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson and Dorrit Moussaieff Announce Separation

Announcement of Separation

Former President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, and his wife, Dorrit Moussaieff, have confirmed that they are ending their marriage. The couple, who have been a prominent fixture in Icelandic public life for over a decade, released information regarding their decision to separate, marking the conclusion of a partnership that began during Grímsson's tenure as the nation's head of state.

A Long-Standing Partnership

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson served as the President of Iceland from 1996 to 2016. He and Dorrit Moussaieff, an Israeli-British businesswoman and socialite, were married in 2003 at the presidential residence, Bessastaðir. During their time together, Moussaieff was highly visible, often accompanying the President on state visits and engaging in various cultural and charitable initiatives across the country.

Life After the Presidency

Following Grímsson's decision not to seek re-election in 2016, the couple transitioned away from the daily demands of the presidential office. While they remained public figures, the announcement of their separation brings a formal end to their union. The couple has requested privacy as they navigate this personal transition, with no further details regarding the circumstances of the split being made public.

Context of the Union

The marriage of Grímsson and Moussaieff was notable for several reasons, including:

• The wedding took place on the President's 60th birthday.
• Moussaieff became the first First Lady of Iceland to maintain a high-profile international career.
• The couple frequently hosted international dignitaries and promoted Icelandic interests abroad.

The news of their separation has been noted by Icelandic media, reflecting the significant role both individuals played in the country's modern history.