Former Gov. Ed Rendell and his wife of 40 years, U.S. District Court Judge Marjorie “Midge” Rendell, told friends in a mass e-mail today that they are separating.
The e-mail with the subject line “To Our Friends” reads, “We have decided to embark upon this next phase of our lives by living separately.”
The e-mail, obtained from a source of NBC Philadelphia continues:
“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 commuity, sometimes together, sometimes separately. We hope you will respect our privacy, and our decision, and wish us well.”
The most interesting part of the e-mail is the post script. After signing the e-mail “Ed and Midge,” it states:
“p.s. Please do not hesitate to include both of us in social occasions as we will not find it awkward or uncomfortable.”
Many may ask why it wouldn't be "awkward or uncomfortable" for two people to socialize together after ending a 40-year marriage, and but rumors of the former governor’s interests in younger women has been going on for years.
As the Daily News points out, Philadelphia Magazine explored rumors last July of an affair between Ed Rendell and state employee and former Miss Pennsylvania Dr. Kirstin Snow.
While Snow told Philadelphia Magazine that she was surprised it took so long for rumors to spread about her and Rendell’s relationship, Rendell was furious.
“No comment,” Rendell told the Daily News after the story broke in Philly Mag. “It’s personal. It’s between me and my family. There’s no governmental interest here. What I said and what Dr. Snow said in Philadelphia magazine is the truth. That’s it. Don’t ask me again.”
Ed, 67, and Midge, 64, have one son, Jesse Rendell who is a Philadelphia lawyer.
