Elizabeth Edwards to leave husband John

The wife of former US Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has reached her "breaking point".

According to People, Elizabeth Edwards has decided to leave her husband after meeting the politician's love child with former presidential campaign videographer Rielle Hunter, last December, in a North Carolina hotel.

"She said, 'I've had it. I can't do this. I want my life back'," her sister, Nancy Anania confirmed.

The couple reportedly now occupy separate residences, she in their Chapel Hill mansion, while he divides time between an annex they call "the barn" and their beach house.

Elizabeth has allegedly had divorce papers on stand by for a year and whether or not she will file depends on her health, as she continues to undergo chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.