Former Pa. Gov. Rendell, wife separating

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and his wife, U.S. District Court Judge Marjorie "Midge" Rendell, said Monday they are separating.

In an e-mail message titled "To Our Friends," the Rendells said, "We have decided to embark upon this next phase of our lives by living separately," ending 40 years of marriage, NBC, Philadelphia, reported.

"This has been a difficult decision, but we both believe it is the right thing to do. Our parting is amicable, and we will remain friends and continue to be active in our community, sometimes together, sometimes separately. We hope you will respect our privacy, and our decision, and wish us well," the couple said.

After signing the message "Ed and Midge," the Rendells said, "p.s. Please do not hesitate to include both of us in social occasions as we will not find it awkward or uncomfortable."

In July the Philadelphia Daily News reported Rendell was involved with former Miss Pennsylvania Dr. Kirstin Snow.

"It's personal. It's between me and my family," Rendell told the Daily News in July. "There's no governmental interest here. … That's it. Don't ask me again."

Ed, 67, and Midge, 64, have one son, Philadelphia lawyer Jesse Rendell.