While Nicholas Sparks' novels may have ended in a rather romantic tune, sad to say, the same cannot be said of his wedding and People broke the news that the acclaimed author has called it quits with his wife, Cathy Sparks, the woman who inspired Nicholas to pen some of his most successful novels.

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Dubbed as the king of love stories, Sparks who authored some of the most romantic novels that have been adapted into motion pictures, including Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember and The Notebook, has decided to separate from his wife, to whom he was married for 25 years.

"Cathy and I have separated," 49-year-old Sparks exclusively told People.

Sparks explained that the couple's decision to split came "lightly." He also revealed that he and Cathy "remain close friends" and have utmost respect for one another "and love for our children."

Sparks, furthermore, announced that their separation would be regarded as a "private matter" for their children's sake.  

The couple were married in 1989 and were blessed with three sons and twin daughters.

With the huge success of The Notebook, Sparks, who graduated from Notre, became a literary superstar.

Despite the inscrutability of his craft in telling stories, Sparks has repeatedly turned down any request to offer real-life romantic advice.

"I don't like to give marriage tips," he said in an interview with People in 2003, saying there are actually more people more knowledgeable and much better than he when it comes to giving love advices.

Sparks considered Cathy, who used to be an accounts executive at a lending-company, as his muse.

Asked how the two kept the passion aflame in their marriage, Sparks said that "the marriage relationship has to be primary."

"It's one of the most important it's one of the best things you can teach your children," the author said.

Sparks also mentioned that they used to go on a walk and on vacation just the two of them.

"You have to make the effort to leave, take the time. Just go and have fun alone. We do it a few times a year," he said.

TagsNicholas Sparks, cathy sparks, nicholas sparks splits from wife