Source: John, Elizabeth Edwards separate

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- One-time Democratic U.S. presidential candidate John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth separated Wednesday, a source told CNN.

The U.S. broadcaster, quoting a source close to Elizabeth Edwards, said the couple had separated one week after the former U.S. senator from North Carolina admitted he had fathered a child out of wedlock with Rielle Hunter, a campaign videographer with whom Edwards had a liaison.

CNN's report came after Elizabeth Edwards' sister, Nancy Anania, told People magazine Wednesday that Elizabeth had told her, "I've had it. I can't do this. I want my life back."

"She's got cancer and has young children and totally believes in marriage ... but she can only do so much," People quoted Anania as saying.

Elizabeth Edwards, a breast cancer survivor, has been married to the lawyer-turned-politician for 32 years. In a statement last week, John Edwards, 56, said he was taking responsibility for the 2-year-old child, Frances Quinn Hunter, indicating he was still involved with Hunter even as news emerged that Elizabeth's cancer had returned and was incurable.

"I am Quinn's father. I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves," the statement read.