edwardsfamily240.jpg After months of tabloid rumors, former Presidential candidate John Edwards has finally admitted to fathering ex-mistress Rielle Hunter's daughter Frances Quinn.

Edwards released the following statement to NBC's The Today Show this morning:

“I am Quinn’s father. I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves. I have been able to spend time with her during the past year and trust that future efforts to show her the love and affection she deserves can be done privately and in peace. It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter and hopefully one day, when she understands, she will forgive me. I have been providing financial support for Quinn and have reached an agreement with her mother to continue providing support in the future. To all those I have disappointed and hurt, these words will never be enough, but I am truly sorry.”

Edwards and his wife Elizabeth have separated, and the network also reports that he signed a child support agreement and bought a home for Rielle and Frances in Charlotte, North Carolina, less than two hours from his home. Better late than never, but what took him so long?