Rhonda Massie, the woman of , U. S.  , Rep.  , Thomas Massie, R- KY, has died,  , the senator announced Friday night.
” Monday my high school sweetheart, the love of my life for over 35 years, the loving mother of our 4 babies, the smartest sweetest woman I always knew, my lovely and wise monarch long, Rhonda went to Heaven”, Massie wrote on social media.
” I appreciate your prayers for our family during this difficult time.
Massie or his staff did n’t immediately share any details about her passing.
Thomas Massie, a maverick known for his contrarian brand of Republicanism, has served as congressman to Kentucky ‘s , 4th Congressional District , since 2012. The district is largely comprised of the state ‘s , Northern Kentucky , region.
A , Vanceburg , native, the congressman met , Rhonda Massie , when they both attended , Lewis County High School.
” She was valedictorian at our high school where we went to the Prom together, accepted at , MIT , and Harvard, earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from , MIT, and devoted her life to our family”, Massie wrote.
The congressman said he and Rhonda , visited their grandson just last week, touring Mt. Rainier in , Washington.
He described his late wife as” the best mammaw ever”.
Chris Wiest, a , Northern Kentucky , attorney who is one of Massie’s closest political allies, told the Herald- Leader that , Rhonda Massie , was extraordinarily kind.
Through a text message, Wiest wrote,” Those of us who knew Rhonda knew that she was one of the kindest, warmest people you could ever meet.” ” My heart breaks for Thomas and his children and grandchildren”.
After Massie shared the news, other politicians expressed their condolences.
” Rhonda Massie was a delightful person. Please join me in praying for , Congressman Massie , and his family”, Secretary of State , Michael Adams , said in a post in response to the news Massie shared.
Four years ago this month, the wife of Rep.  , Andy Barr , passed away from a rare heart condition called mitral valve prolapse.  , Eleanor Carol Leavell Barr , was 39 years old.
In a social media post, Barr expressed his condolences to Massie.
” I am deeply saddened by the passing of , Rhonda Massie, the beloved wife of my friend and colleague,  , Thomas Massie. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing her touched by Rhonda’s warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and community,” wrote Barr.
Another member of the , Kentucky , federal delegation,  , James Comer, sent well wishes to the Massie family shortly after news broke.
” TJ and I are deeply saddened by the news of Rhonda Massie’s passing. Rhonda was a beautiful person both inside and out” , , Comer wrote. ” Our hearts go out to my colleague and dear friend , Thomas Massie , and his entire family”.
Former Congressman , Ron Paul, the father of , Rand Paul, also sent prayers.
” It’s so hard to process this tragedy”, wrote , Jim Pfaff, the president of , The Conservative Caucus , in , Washington. ” She was Thomas’s heart. They were best friends, fellow engineers and most of all loving spouses.
” My heart breaks for Thomas.”
This story will be updated.
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