POP/ROCK - April 1, 1987

Pop star Elton John and his wife, Renate, have separated, John’s office has announced. The news was made public after Mrs. John did not show up for Elton’s star-studded 40th birthday last week. The statement read: “Elton and Renate jointly wish it to be known that they have for many months lived apart whilst each of them has been considering the future of their marriage. . . . They have had friendly discussions as to their future and have sadly decided that they should continue to live apart.” There are no immediate plans for divorce, the statement said.