Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter Splitting Up...Maybe

"Nothing else will be said," announced Rosie O'Donnell's publicist regarding strong rumors that the comedian and her wife of five years were separating. The publicist did confirm that the couple are having issues and are working through them.

Murmurs of a possible split have been coming and going for a few months. Those rumors were denied until O'Donnell finally (vaguely) admitted in an interview with USA Today on Tuesday that there are issues that they have to work through. But, she added, the couple love each other and their four children very much and will, of course, continue to be a family. O'Donnell also added that this was the only time that she was going to address the issue...of the issues. (I should not write before noon.)

 Despite her admittedly wacky persona and occasional outbursts of assholery, I've always really liked O'Donnell. I watched her talk show religiously when I was but a young single thing who didn't work until later in the day and I was thrilled for her when she adopted her son, Parker. She had a guest spot on Curb Your Enthusiasm this week that reminded me just how funny she is.

But more importantly, as both a parent and as a child of parents who split, it is so refreshing to see a public figure handle their marital troubles with grace, aplomb, and most importantly, extreme consideration for their children's feelings. The kids, of course, didn't choose their parents, but they are perhaps the most profoundly affected by their parents' relationship. I can think of at least 8 kids who aren't nearly so lucky.

Comments

[michele]

i have always liked her too. it is sad that they might split.