Al and Tipper Gore are separating
Another sad sign today of the toll that public life can take on families: Former vice president Al Gore and wife Tipper have announced they are separating.
"This is very much a mutual and mutually supportive decision that we have made together following a process of long and careful consideration," the couple said in an e-mail to family and friends. We ask for respect for our privacy and that of our family, and we do not intend to comment further."
Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider confirmed the contents of the e-mail.
Click here to see a photo gallery of the couples most affectionate moments over the years.
The news is being greeted with shock in Washington, D.C. Few political couples seemed as close as the Gores back during his vice presidential years, 1993 to 2001. And remember the ardent kiss Gore planted on his wife at the 2000 Democratic National Convention? See a video clip of that moment below.
The Gores have been married for 40 years.
(Posted by David Jackson)
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Former  Al Gore announced earlier today that he would separate from , his wife of 40 years. The Gores called the decision "mutual."

In an  to close friends, Al and Tipper Gore said that they would not make additional comments. The message was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Gore family. A family friend said, "There isn't anyone else. They just want to go their separate ways."

In the e-mail, Al and Tipper Gore said:


“We are announcing today that after a great deal of thought we have decided to separate. This is very much a mutual and mutually supportive decision that we have made together, following a process of long and careful consideration. We ask for respect for our privacy and that of our family, and we do not intend to comment further.”


The announcement was met with surprise in Washington, D.C. Both were raised around the city, and met at a high school dance. 62-year-old Al Gore was the Vice President of the United States during the  and lost the  to George W. Bush. He also received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts concerning climate change. 61-year-old Tipper Gore is a professional photographer and co-founded the . On May 19, the couple observed their 40th wedding anniversary. The Gores have four children.