Washington (CNN) – The 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee, John Edwards, is legally separated from his wife, a source close to the family tells CNN.
Edwards, a former North Carolina senator who unsuccessfully sought his party's presidential nomination in 2004 and 2008, just last week acknowledged being the father of a baby born to his mistress Rielle Hunter. Edwards previously admitted to the affair, but denied paternity.
The source, who would not speak on the record because of the sensitivity of the situation, had spoken to Elizabeth Edwards in recent days.
News of the separation comes a week before a tell-all book by Andrew Young, a one-time close confidante of John Edwards, is set to hit bookstores.
People Magazine, a CNN sister organization, first reported the story. Elizabeth Edwards' sister, Nancy Anania, told People magazine in an article dated Wednesday that Elizabeth told her, "I've had it. I can't do this. I want my life back."
The sister told the magazine, "She's got cancer and has young children and totally believes in marriage ... but she can only do so much."
Update, 6:28 p.m., John Edwards has issued the following statement:
"It is an extraordinarily sad moment, but I love my children more than anything and still care deeply about Elizabeth.”
Update:The following statement was released by Elizabeth Edwards’s publisher Random House
"Elizabeth is moving on with her life and wants to put this difficult chapter behind her. It was an excrutiatingly (sic) painful period for her and she no interest in rehashing the past. Based on the limited portions of the book that have been made available, it is clear it contains many falsehoods and exaggerations. She will not engage in a dialogue on each of the false charges, but would like to set the record straight on two key points. First, the allegation that she sought to politicize her cancer is unconscionable, hurtful and patently false. Second, she believed Andrew Young to be the father of this child until her husband confessed his parternity (sic) to her this past summer. She will have nothing further to say."
From CNN Politics
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Nothing makes the "news" media happier than publication of the lurid details of politicians' personal lives.
The only way this story could have been better would be that Edwards won his party nomination for President and he not obama is sitting in the White House now. Come to think of it even John Edwards would be an improvement over obama.
what a snake...
How very embarrassing for a publishing company like Random House to have not one but two typos in such a short statement. Somebody hire Random House a proofreader!
Goodluck to her. She deserves some peace, happiness, and humor in her life. Things will get better now that at least the dirt-bag is gone.
John Edwards is a a spineless sack. May Elizabeth find peace and true love in her remaining days.
Ethics seem to be lacking in this man. I am sorry for this as he has disappointed many of us who thought he was working hard for the poor and unrepresented in America. Very sad that sexual addictions are the undoing of folks who lose their personal self control and violate standards of integrity. My best to all involved. Peace
Another cheater bites the dust. You are beautiful, Elizabeth. God's blessings on you and your children. And on John too–he's going to need His mercy.
cancer + young children = no time for a cheating husband with a child of an affair.
so sad...guess edwards wont be taking his wife to wendys this year.
Utterly disappointed in you Mr. Edwards.
It is unfortunate that an EDITOR like Random House would allow so many typos in a public statement!
Trailer trash
What took you so long, Elizabeth, this guy's been playing you for too long.
John Edwards is one of the biggest phonies in all of politics. Hope this is the last we see of him.
Wow, does he have sack, it must have grown back once he figured out his political career was as dead as Ted!
Why is this man even relevant in the Political/Public Arena? His career is washed up.......
such a sad story. Nobody – dems or repubs should be chest thumping. Edwards needs help. And it continues to show how the egos of our politicians undermine the democratic process.
Good for her!!! It is way past time she dumped this jerk. Hopefully she can put her life back together and spend the rest of her days in peace and contentment with the rest of her family.
John Edwards, you are a worthless pos.
but just another lawyer turned politician like so many.
Liars whenever they open their mouth.
To their spouse and of course to us voters.
Spitzer, Newt, The guy in Nevada, Idaho and so many more.
Never vote for a lawyer.
This "claaaaaaaaasy" pair is one trailer short of a bad country music song.
She is finally wising up-good for her! You go, girl!!
I had hoped that John Edwards would have run for president, but the devil is in the details– those $400 haircuts?
Aside from the tragedy ( and it is ) of what has happened to John and Elizabeth Edwards, what has happened to Random House? More details perhaps, but who wrote that statement?
Random House really needs some proofreaders.
Edwards is a slick talker but I never really trusted the guy...guess my instincts were correct.