Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced on June 28 the passing of his wife, Rhonda Massie. She is survived by her husband, their four children, and a grandchild.
âYesterday my high school sweetheart, the love of my life for over 35 years, the loving mother of our 4 children, the smartest kindest woman I ever knew, my beautiful and wise queen forever, Rhonda went to Heaven. Thank you for your prayers for our family in this difficult time,â he posted on the social media platform X.
Mr. Massie did not confirm the cause of his wifeâs passing.
Mr. Massie, 54, shared that his wife was their high school valedictorian and earned her mechanical engineering degree at MIT.
Last week, the couple visited Mt. Rainier with their grandson.
Condolences poured in following the news.
âThis is truly heartbreaking. I didnât know Rhonda well, but I know her husband. And based on that alone, and on what youâve told me about her, I know she was an amazing woman,â Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)
posted on social media, saying that he and his wife have them in their prayers.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) led a moment of silence on the House floor in Ms. Massieâs memory. The lawmaker said that Mr. Massie had driven back home to Kentucky to be with his family. Mr. Roy was joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
In addition to her husband and their grandchild, Ms. Massie is survived by their four children.
Mr. Massie, a libertarian, has represented Kentuckyâs 4th Congressional District since 2012.
In 2021, Mr. Massie was fined for refusing to wear a face covering on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has been known to go against both the Democrats and Republicans.
He was one of the few Republicans to support a failed resolution to strip Mr. Johnson of the speakerâs gavel last month.
Four years ago, Mr. Massie drew the wrath of President Donald Trump when the congressman singlehandedly caused a delay in passing a massive COVID-19 relief package.
Mr. Massie supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 GOP presidential primary. He has yet to endorse former President Trump.
