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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Does ANYBODY really care?
John Edwards is a sleaze-ball. Someone needs to put a padlock on his zipper.
Soooooo glad he didn't become president!
CNN, please set up a "Sensationalist and Salicious" column/place on your website for any reporting on John & Elizabeth Edwards, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and all the other "I think I'm involved in politics but really aren't!" crowd. Last I knew, all of the above were not holding elected office.
Um, doesn't her publisher have Spell Check? What the f?
Yet another marriage shatters?
So why do I hear 'family values' Republicans cheering so loud?
Edwards, what a scumbag.
She should have left him last year.
Good ideas do not make a great man. We dodged a bullet on this guy. As VP goes he is making Palin look good. What a lousy SOB.
And this cheater and lier from the Democratic party wanted to become our VP and Pres!!! Absolutely incredible!!!
I hope the media will leave this dear woman alone and let her get on with her life. She has had to bear more than enough notoriety due to her publicity laden husband and more than most women would in a failed marraige. May she be blessed with some long needed peace and happiness.
Elizabeth is the victim here.
I never thought once that she policitized her sickness. this woman is a true trouper through and through. The way the media has pounced upon her is.,....in her words "unconsinable."
I wish her much happiness... after she leaves John. He is not worth the effort anymore to salvage her marriage.
Republican or Democrat, it doesn't matter. "Dat South's Gonna Rise Again". Yee haw!
Two insufferable scumbags. (I'm sorry she has cancer, but that does not make one immune from being a scumaholic).
Now let us finally be rid of you both forever and ever, AMEN!
Tom Cruise will play him and Jeanette Garofulo (sp?) in the movie!
That is such a shame. These two fake liberal dreamboats sound like they were made for each other. Will this breakup get as much coverage from CNN as the Sanford break up. After all CNN was the last of the cable news to actually publish a story about Edwards and the baby. The were beat to it by the National Enquirer.
I'm praying for you Elizabeth. I hope your life will be more positive and peaceful now.
Good for her! Sad it had to come to this but everyone has a breaking point.
Now all the liberals will shun her, how dare she leave Bill , I mean what's his face John
I thought Elizabeth wrote her "tell all" book first, what's up with her attorney's statement.
what about Mark Sanford??
He might be a great resource on these too... talk to him
Concentrate on your beautiful children and your health. Don't worry about that sleeze bag. He's put you through enough.
I can't think of anything more digusting than a man who cheats on his wife while she's fighting a deadly disease. How low can you go?
"I've had it. I can't do this. I want my life back."
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So I'll comment on something that is definitely none of my business: good for you Eilzabeth,
Elizabeth Edwards having nothing further to say? Is it Christmas?
Good for Mrs. Edwards.........she has enough to handle without a spoiled, whining, unfaithful, lying husband. She can do quite well without him. He is totally disgusting!
Edwards needs to remove himself from politics. He is not deserving of political office.
Mrs. Edwards should have done this long ago.
Mr. Bush left this terrible mess and during the last portion of his term there were little if any questions asked. Your reporting is bias, unprofessional and daily serves as a good example as to what is wrong with this country.What ever happen to journalism with integrity and objectivity.