Incoming viceregal Julie Payette drops bid to seal her U.S. divorce records

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“Though a Maryland court was currently considering an appeal to maintain our family’s privacy, for reasons of transparency and to leave no doubt, I have decided to voluntarily drop this appeal and release the divorce files,” Payette said in the statement. 

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“I trust Canadians and media will distinguish between matters of public interest and private life.”

The retired Canadian astronaut said she has done everything possible to turn the page and act in the best interests of her teenage son.

“As I move forward, it is my son I think of first,” she wrote. “His relationship with both his parents is paramount and this is what I will continue to safeguard.” 

Payette began divorce proceedings in 2013 from her spouse, William “Billie” Flynn, a retired Air Force pilot who now is a Lockheed Martin test pilot for the F-35 fighter jet.

The lengthy divorce proceedings ended in late June of this year, based on online Maryland court records.

The motions to seal the proceedings as well as accompanying affidavits were filed in Maryland court in mid-July.

Payette is expected to start her new job in the fall, replacing the outgoing David Johnston, who is retiring.

The Canadian Press