Al and Tipper Gore Call It Quits

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tennessean and Former Vice President Al Gore made an announcement today with his wife that many are calling unbelievable. After 40 years of marriage, the couple is separating.

During his political career, former Vice President Al Gore highlighted his relationship with his wife, Tipper. He even sealed it with a kiss at the 2000 Democratic National Convention.

The Gores celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary just two weeks ago. Only to announce via email to friends Tuesday, they were separating.

"I think he has now become married to his career," Professor Larry Moore said.

Moore is a professor of legal and political environment at the U of M. He says Gore's career as an environmentalist, author, and businessman is separate from his life at home.

"What this symbolizes more than anything else is that he has given up presidential aspirations," Moore said.

Politics aside, 40 years is a lot to give up.

"I'm a little bias because I see it a lot. It is pretty common," Licensed Professional Counselor Travis Hill said.

Hill says there are three reasons long-time couples call it quits. They waited for the children to grow up. Some sort of impropriety. And then there's the reason the Gores gave.

"The primary one would be growing apart. Both individuals in the relationship grew-up, but they didn't grow-up together," Hill said.

The couple's friends re-affirm, it was not an affair. And, the high school sweethearts came to this decision together.

"Modern men, modern women, once they get married to their profession, that in many cases is worse than an affair," Moore said.

It is important to note, the Gores are announcing a separation, not a divorce. Hill says that means they're testing the waters before they finalize anything.