'Our parting is amicable'

Text of the e-mail that former Gov. Ed Rendell and his wife, federal judge Marjorie O. Rendell, sent on Monday:

"Dear Friends:

"We wanted to let you know that we have decided to embark upon this next phase of our lives by living separately. 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.

"Ed and Midge

"p.s. Please do not hesitate to include both of us in social occasions as we will not find it awkward or uncomfortable."