Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood's wife of 17 years has filed for divorce, citing irreconciliable differences, a court spokeswoman said on Wednesday.
Dina Eastwood, a 48-year-old journalist, filed papers on Tuesday in Monterey County, south of San Francisco, where the ‘Dirty Harry’ star has long lived.
She is seeking physical custody of their 16-year-old daughter Morgan, giving the 83-year-old movie legend child visitation rights, according to the divorce petition, a copy of which was sent to AFP.
She also wants spousal support and for the actor-director Eastwood to pay legal fees.
Reports surfaced in August that Dina Eastwood wanted to file for divorce, but there was no confirmation at the time, nor legal papers filed.
People magazine reported that she filed papers for legal separation on October 7, but then withdrew them, before filing full divorce papers this week.
“This is really sad,” a source told the celebrity bible when confirming the split last month, adding: “They were great partners for many years.”
The marriage began to come apart when Dina launched ‘Mrs. Eastwood and Company’, a reality TV show featuring her and two of Clint's daughters. The actor appeared occasionally, but appeared uncomfortable.
“Clint was furious about the show,” a source close to Eastwood told People. “It went against everything he stands for: he's incredibly private, and she put his kids on TV ... It was not a happy time for them.”
Dina was reportedlyoverheard saying their split was “unreal and heart-breaking” and allegedly admitted she still loves the 'Gran Torino' star.
People magazine said that the veteran star is dating Erica Tomlinson-Fisher, who has been living in his Los Angeles-area home and has been seen driving his Mercedes Benz around town.
Dina is reportedly devastated that Clint is dating Tomlinson-Fisher.
She initially insisted they were still good friends, writing on Twitter: “I don't like reading negative things about Clint. He is a wonderful, good natured, brilliant person. No matter what, I attest to that.”
But she later confessed she was very upset after seeing pictures of the 'Gran Torino' star on a date with Erica, even though she is reportedly dating Erica's ex-husband Scott Fisher.
She said: “I am saddened to see photos of Clint with Ms. Tomlinson-Fisher. I look forward to new beginnings.”
Eastwood has been married once before, and has eight children by six different women, according to the IMDb movie industry website.
He has won four Oscars over a more than half-century career, including most recently best movie and best director for 2004's ‘Million Dollar Baby.’ He took the same two Academy Award prizes for 1992's “Unforgiven.” - AFP and Bang Showbiz