Al and Tipper Gore Separate

2 weeks after their 40th Wedding Anniversary, Al Gore and his soon-not-to-be-wife Mary Elizabeth Gore are splitting up.

In this technological age, it should be no surprise, though, that the couple eventually announced their separation to family and close friends through an e-mail.

In the e-mail, the couple stated:

"We are announcing today that after a great deal of thought and discussion, 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 former US Vice-President and his wife claim that they "grew apart", and the split was not due to any affairs.

On the bright side, Al and Mary Elizabeth (more commonly known as Tipper) Gore managed to break the news rather respectfully, and leave none to gossip and rumour-mongering. Still, netizens have expressed their woes, as the couple had always seemed to be so in love.

The couple has four children - Karenna Aitcheson Gore Schiff, Kristin Carlson Gore, Sarah LaFon Gore and Albert Gore III, ranging from ages 25 to 36.

In terms of the reason of the break-up, however, it remains to be seen. People are just bewildered because having been through so much together, one would think that they could brave through the rest of their years likewise. Well, apparently not.

What are your thoughts? Is there any hope for the rest of us?