“Catherine and Michael are taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage. There will be no further comment.” This was the official statement sent out by Cece Yorke, Catherine Zeta-Jones’ publicist, and Allen Burry who works for Michael Douglas.

It seems the recent happenings in the lives of one of Hollywood’s A-list couples are taking a toll on their relationship prompting them to take this separation step. Michael has reportedly been seen alone in Sardinia on a supposed holiday while Catherine remains in their $4 million home in New York with their two kids – Dylan, 13, and Carys, 10.

Trip Down Memory Lane

Though born on the same day, September 25, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have a 25-year difference between them – the actress is presently 43 years old while the producer, director slash United Nations Messenger of Peace is already 68. However, the two have lived up to the old adage “age doesn’t matter” when it came to their love affair.

The two met at the Deauville Film Festival in France in August 1998 (poignantly, Michael Douglas is set to attend the same festival soon sans Catherine Zeta-Jones) and reportedly, Michael had wooed the Mask of Zorro leading lady with the words, “I want to father your children”. However, it was not until March 1999 that the two began dating and on November 18, 2000, Michael and Catherine tied the knot at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Theirs is a story of a noteworthy marriage, something that the Hollywood is lacking.

The Bumps in the Road

Nevertheless, the relationship of these two high profile Hollywood celebrities is not without bumps. Michael was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer in 2010, underwent the necessary treatments and a year later declared publicly that the tumor was gone. His wife revealed it had been a trying time since she had known Michael to be full of energy but at that time, he just appeared so weak. At this time, he attributed his cancer to heavy smoking and previous alcohol abuse. However, just recently, Michael Douglas had made a very controversial statement attributing his throat cancer to the HPV virus which he could have gotten through oral sex, a comment which did not sit well with his wife.

In April 2011, Catherine underwent a series of therapies when she was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder. April this year when it was reported the actress was undergoing additional treatments in her continued fight against her condition. These stresses, together with the incarceration of Cameron Douglas, Michael’s son in his first marriage, due to drugs, are pointed out as the culprit for the downfall of the couple’s relationship.

Just Separation, Not Divorce

Anyhow, the two are said to just have separated to “evaluate and work out on their marriage” and neither one of them has filed for divorce or legal separation. Those close to the couple are hoping that Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas will work everything out between them, and eventually mend their broken relationship.