HARRISBURG -- Their marriage survived years of speculation about Ed Rendell's never-confirmed affairs, but today -- 20 days after the former governor left office -- he and U.S. Circuit Judge Marjorie O. Rendell told friends they are separating.

The news came in a five-sentence email sent at 4:08 p.m. and signed "Ed and Midge."

The Rendells told recipients that the split is amicable, that they will remain friends and that they "will not find it awkward or uncomfortable" to be invited to the same social events.

The Rendells have been married for about 40 years.

First Published: February 7, 2011, 10:30 p.m.