Earnhart

Charlottesville’s Brady Earnhart is one of the most talented songwriters and musicians that I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.

Waldo Jaquith - Marriage amendment protest song. 2006

After three months of living apart, Mr. Earnhart moved back in.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011

Then Mr. Earnhart started coming over to the house with a bottle of wine.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011

Earnhart Family Recall Better Times: They were teen sweethearts on their wedding day in 1969.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011

Now, the couple tries to talk out problems as soon as they arise, often leaving each other polite, little notes about an issue, like the one that Ms. Earnhart recently left her husband, telling him she felt he had been rude and didn't want to stew on the issue.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011

Amanda Koster for The Wall Street Journal Get Breathing Room: Jeanine and Mark Earnhart, walking on the beach in San Juan Island, Wash., were barely speaking when they split up after 35 years of marriage.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011

Lesley Gore: Myron Earnhart for some months, he said, "I'm going to take you into a little studio and do a couple of piano and voice demos."

You Would Sing Too If It Happened to You Bruce Bennett 2011

After 35 years of marriage, Mark Earnhart came home one day and told his wife, Jeanine, that he wanted a separation.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011

Mr. Earnhart cooks dinner each night, and the two often eat while watching—and discussing—whatever is on the Food Network.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011

"It was kind of like falling in love again," says Ms. Earnhart.

To Save a Marriage, Split Up? Elizabeth Bernstein 2011