Nicholas Sparks and his wife of 25 years, Cathy Sparks, have announced their separation. Sparks is known for writing some of the most romantic novels of our generation, a few of which have gone on to become films.
The couple has five children altogether; three boys Miles, Ryan, and Landon and twin girls; Lexie and Savannah.
"Cathy and I have separated," Sparks, 49, told ABC News. "This is of course not a decision we've made lightly. We remain close friends with deep respect for each other and love for our children. For our children's sake, we regard this as a private matter."
Sparks wrote novels that were turned into successful films like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember. His most recent, The Longest Ride, will become a movie starring Clint Eastwood’s son Scott Eastwood.
People reports Cathy inspired many of his novels. Nine of the 17 that he’s written have become films.
In 2013, Sparks talked about keeping their romance alive. “The marriage relationship has to be primary – it's one of the best things you can teach your children," he said at the time. "So we don't feel guilty if we go for a walk, just the two of us."
image via Famous/ACE/INFphoto.com