Former South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford told Yeas & Nays exclusively she hopes her recently released tell-all, “Staying True,” which talks about her betrayal by Gov. Mark Sanford, “helps more women.”
But when asked about Elizabeth Edwards’ case, Jenny Sanford said Wednesday she doesn’t consider her book a textbook for those dealing with philandering spouses.
“I don’t know that my book is meant to give a prescription or a formula for other people in similar situations,” Sanford said about Edwards’ decision to separate after knowing of former presidential candidate John Edwards’ affair for more than three years.
Both women, who suffered very public betrayals, now are in the process of severing ties with their husbands. Sanford filed for a divorce when her husband’s affair with an Argentinian woman came to light, and Elizabeth Edwards recently separated from her husband after he admitted to having a child with his campaign videographer, Rielle Hunter.
“I don’t want the book or my actions to be taken as ‘I didn’t stand by my man, therefore you shouldn’t either,’ ” Sanford added while discussing Edwards’ initial choice. “My only advice to her would be to remember what you’re made of, always, and stay strong with your faith; connect with your friends and family and use them to help you make the right decision.”
Sanford said she feels particularly sympathetic toward Edwards because a child is involved in her husband’s affair.
“My heart goes out to Elizabeth and I have great empathy, obviously, for her, because it’s also getting played out on a national stage,” Sanford said.
This will be Sanford’s first Valentine’s Day as a liberated woman, and she’ll be spending the day with her sons.
“I asked them if they would take care of me on Valentine’s Day, and they said they would love to,” she said.
— Buster Brown contributed to this report.
