'My high school sweetheart': U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie shares news of his wife's death
Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie's wife died Thursday, according to a post shared by the congressman on social media.
Thomas Massie posted the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, Friday morning, calling his wife, Rhonda Massie, his "high school sweetheart ... the smartest kindest woman I ever knew, my beautiful and wise queen forever."
The Massies were married for over 30 years.
Yesterday 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. pic.twitter.com/tTSWXeLCG0
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) June 28, 2024
Thomas Massie, who represents Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, also highlighted Rhonda Massie's achievements, including being named valedictorian in high school and earning a mechanical engineering degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, who represents Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, said on social media he was saddened to hear about Rhonda Massie's passing, and he would keep Thomas Massie and his family "in his thoughts and prayers."
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rhonda Massie, the beloved wife of my friend and colleague, Thomas Massie. Rhonda's warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and community touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
During this heartbreaking time, my…— Rep. Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) June 28, 2024
Republican U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, who represents Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District, called Rhonda Massie an "incredible woman" and said in a post he will stand with Thomas Massie and his family "during this difficult time."
My thoughts and prayers are with @RepThomasMassie and the entire Massie family following this terrible loss. Rhonda was an incredible woman. Beth and I stand with you and your family during this difficult time. https://t.co/0Lb5Ly5lwd
— Rep. Brett Guthrie (@RepGuthrie) June 28, 2024
Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer, who represents Kentucky's 1st Congressional District, said he and his wife were "deeply saddened by the news" and called Rhonda Massie "a beautiful person on the inside and out."
TJ and I are deeply saddened by the news of Rhonda Massie’s passing. Rhonda was a beautiful person both inside and out. Our hearts go out to my colleague and dear friend Thomas Massie and his entire family. https://t.co/XAlEiZaWzc
— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) June 28, 2024
Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said Massie and his family would be in his thoughts and prayers.
Makenze and I are asking all Kentuckians to join us in praying for @RepThomasMassie and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Massie family, their friends, and all who loved Rhonda during this difficult time.
— Daniel Cameron (@DanielCameronKY) June 28, 2024
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said he and his wife were devastated to hear about Rhonda Massie's death and that Kentucky supports Massie and his family during this time.
Elaine and I are devastated to learn of the passing of Congressman Thomas Massie’s beloved wife, Rhonda. The entire Commonwealth stands behind the Massie family and holds in our prayers Thomas, their four children, and all those grieving her loss.
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) June 28, 2024
The Kentucky State Senate Majority Caucus also posted their support on X and said their thoughts and prayers are with Massie and his family.
Our sincerest prayers for comfort and peace are with @RepThomasMassie and family upon the passing of Rhonda Massie.
All of Kentucky joins in mourning the loss of a wonderful person.— KY Senate Majority (@KYSenateGOP) June 28, 2024
Some state senators also released individual statements on Rhonda Massie's death, including Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, who said Rhonda Massie was a "woman of charitable spirit, grace (and) strength."
"Rhonda's legacy of kindness and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who had the blessing of knowing her," McDaniel said in the statement. "We stand in solidarity with the Massie family, offering our support and heartfelt sympathies."
Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, said he was shocked and devastated to hear the news.
"Rhonda was a fantastic human being, and her loving marriage with Congressman Massie was among the most beautiful you could imagine," Schickel said in the statement.
Gov. Andy Beshear expressed he would keep Massie and his family in "his thoughts and prayers" and encouraged others to do the same.
Britainy and I are deeply saddened for U.S. Congressman Thomas Massie and his family at the tragic news of the passing of his wife, Rhonda. Please join us in sending prayers of peace and comfort. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) June 28, 2024
Thomas and Rhonda Massie had four children together and lived on a cattle farm in Kentucky.
Information has not been released about Rhonda Massie's cause of death.
Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie's wife Rhonda Massie dies
