Al and Tipper Gore on a separation path

Former US Vice President Al Gore and his wife Tipper, on Tuesday announced that they have decided to end their 40 year marriage. The news which has been confirmed by Gore's office suggests that they have made the decision "after a great deal of thought and discussion."


"This is very much a mutual and mutually supportive decision that we have made together following a process of long and careful consideration," they said. "We ask for respect for our privacy and that of our family, and we do not intend to comment further."

Al Gore, a democrat, held the Vice President's office for 8 years during the term of President Bill Clinton. He also narrowly lost the presidency to George W. Bush in the year 2000. Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work against global climate change in the year 2007.

The news has come as a bit of surprise after the Gores who have four children and live in Tennessee, marked their 40th wedding anniversary two weeks ago.