CHICAGO — Convicted former Gov Rod Blagojevich left his home this morning and hopped in a car, the first leg of a trip that will end with him behind bars in a federal prison in Colorado, and the latest chapter in the stunning downfall of one of the most charismatic political figures in Illinois’ history.

Blagojevich, wearing a dark shirt, sport coat and jeans, had trouble making his way through a crowd of photographers, reporters and well-wishers shortly after 6 a.m. His wife, Patti, who has appeared with Blagojevich so many times outside the same Chicago home, proclaimed his innocence and who stood crying next to him on Wednesday night, did not accompany him to the car. Nor did his two daughters, who presumably minutes earlier said their goodbyes before he headed to a prison where he will spend at least a dozen years.

“Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” he said.

The one-time golden boy of Illinois politics with a penchant for television cameras is expected to report to a Colorado prison by 2 p.m. to begin his 14-year prison term on corruption charges, marking the state’s second governor in a row to be sent to prison for corruption.

Jurors convicted Blagojevich on 18 counts, including charges that he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s old U.S. Senate seat. FBI wiretaps revealed a foul-mouth Blagojevich describing the opportunity to exchange an appointment to the seat for campaign cash or a top job.