Widow in her 40s, often described as perky, looking for red-carpet male companion. Must be… Widow in her 40s, often described as perky, looking for red-carpet male companion. Must be independently wealthy, personable, and able to handle paparazzi. No late nights.

NBC’s angel of the morning, Katie Couric, is back on the market, fellas. According to People, the “Today” show host broke up last week with TV producer Tom Werner, her boyfriend of more than four years.

A match arranged by Couric’s manager, the couple conducted a long-distance bicoastal romance (eased by his private jet). A source told the magazine, “They’re both really funny and really cerebral. They traveled together, went everywhere. But (the relationship) ran its course. The distance had become untenable.”

Allow us to float another theory. In addition to his TV credits (“The Cosby Show,” “That `70s Show”), Werner is an owner of the Boston Red Sox. Perhaps Couric broke up with him rather than nurse him through another deep depression after his team inevitably folds yet again like a cheap map in October.

CHANGING HER NAME

Get ready for the pitter-patter of little Federlines. Pop star Britney Spears, who seems intent on committing career suicide, told a German magazine this week that she would like to go by her married name, Mrs. Federline. She married slouchy dancer Kevin Federline, 26, last month.

“I probably will. … Britney Federline, I like that,” the singer said. “Society probably won’t allow me, but I would like to change it.”

Speaking for society, honey, we don’t give a flying fig. But your manager, if you still have one, might have some objections.

Spears also allowed that she’d like to start painting the nursery in the Malibu mansion she bought her ungroomed groom. “I’d love to have a baby already,” she said. “But I’ve got to take care of some things first. … I want to become a mother. I’m crazy about children. … Next year, when I’m 23, I’ll be ready.”

Does society get a vote on that decision?

HONEYMOON STROKES

Tiger Woods doesn’t appear to be in any hurry to get back on a golf course. Reporters tracked down the golfer as he honeymooned on a yacht with his Swedish bride, Elin Nordegren. “We’re having so much fun on the honeymoon,” he said, “I don’t know if I’ll be back or not.”

The same day, he left a reassuring entry for his fans on his Web site. Being married “is not going to change the way I play golf,” he wrote. “I have been with Elin and happy together the last two years. Just because you are married it doesn’t change your relationship. It doesn’t change who we are.”

He then added: “I just hope I can get the ball in the hole a little faster.”

Whatever that means, we’re not touching it.

(People Online and wire services contributed to this report.)

(c) 2004, The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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