Failed Reality

What has come as a surprise is the news that veterans Roy E. Disney and estranged wife Patricia Disney have filed for divorce after 52 years of marriage. Roy Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, has cited the clichéd reason “irreconcilable differences” as grounds for the divorce. Roy is 77 while Patricia is 72 years old. According to a spokesperson, “This has been in the works for a long time. They’ve just decided to move forward with their lives.”

Roy is estimated to be worth $1.2 billion and he holds a majority shareholding in Disneyland. Modern times have not only seen a plethora of young divorces, but also couples having celebrated a majority of their lives together seeking separate lives. Divorces occurring in later-lives are getting commoner and commoner. Older couples are getting increasingly independent both emotionally and financially. As they remain physically active for longer years, they have independent ambitions. They prefer to split, if they find their ambitions being curtailed in any way by their spouse.

Roy and Patricia, who have four adult children from their marriage, were living separately for some time. It is not sure whether they had any prenuptial agreement.