NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Al Gore once claimed his romance with wife Tipper inspired the novel “Love Story,” and the couple shared a long kiss before millions on the stage of the Democratic National Convention.
Now, after a 40-year marriage that survived the near-death of a child and the heartache of losing the disputed 2000 presidential election, the former high school sweethearts are calling it quits.
“After a great deal of thought and discussion, we have decided to separate,” the Gores wrote in an e-mail to friends Tuesday. “This is very much a mutual and mutually supportive decision that we have made together.”
Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider confirmed the statement came from the Gores.
The Gores told friends they “grew apart” after four decades of marriage and there was no affair involved, said two close associates.
