Exclusive

EXCLUSIVE: Rielle Hunter Wants To Marry John Edwards As Family & Friends Mourn Elizabeth's Death

Dec. 8 2010, Published 9:30 a.m. ET

As friends and family mourn the passing of Elizabeth Edwards, the mistress of her estranged husband John Edwards continues to hold out hope that she and the former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination can finally be together.

A source close to the mistress Rielle Hunter and to the Edwards family exclusively told RadarOnline.com: "Rielle has been very patient through all of this. She still believes that John is her soul mate, and she thinks that they're going to get married."

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That's a sentiment that's sure to anger many who loved Elizabeth and applauded her courage while dealing with a husband who cheated on her as she battled cancer.

On Tuesday, Elizabeth, 61, passed away after a six-year struggle with cancer. She was surrounded by friends and family who rushed to her side after the shocking announcement that her doctors believed any further medical treatment would be futile.

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The source revealed that Hunter has been closely watching Elizabeth's situation.

Rielle Still Loves "Johnny" Edwards, Calls Him A Relentless Lover

"She doesn't care about anyone but herself. She's been selfish and horrible this whole time, no matter what else has been said about her," the source said.

Hunter currently lives in a home paid for by John Edwards. She lives there with their young daughter Quinn, the child John originally denied was his, even when the National Enquirer busted him visiting Rielle and Quinn in a Beverly Hills hotel.