Rep. Thomas Massie made a tragic announcement on Friday in a thread on X in which he said his wife, Rhonda Massie, had passed away.
“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,” he wrote.
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
The couple had just toured Mt. Rainier with their grandson last week. Her cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Several high-profile individuals on the platform expressed their condolences. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) called the announcement “heartbreaking” and said Rhonda “was an amazing woman.”
This is truly heartbreaking.
I didn’t know Rhonda well, but I know her husband. And based on that alone, and on what you’ve told me about her, I know she was an amazing woman.
Sharon and I mourn with you today, and will keep you in our prayers.
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) June 28, 2024
Former Libertarian Party vice presidential nominee Spike Cohen also expressed his condolences.
Thomas, I am so sorry for your loss. Tasha and I are praying for you to feel peace in this time of mourning.
May Rhonda’s memory be a great blessing to you, and to everyone whose lives she touched.
I’m sorry, man.
— Spike Cohen (@RealSpikeCohen) June 28, 2024
The Republican Party of Kentucky issued a statement saying it was “shocked and deeply saddened” about Rhonda’s passing, referring to her as “an amazing mother, wife, and Kentuckian.”
— Republican Party of Kentucky (@KYGOP) June 28, 2024
Chris Wiest, an attorney and one of Massie’s friends, told the Lexington Herald-Leader that Rhonda “was one of the kindest, warmest folks you could ever meet.”
The couple, in 1993, founded SensAble Devices, which enables people to feel digital objects on a screen.
Rep. Massie has served in Congress since 2012 and is known for his staunch conservative and libertarian stances on legislation. He is known as “Mr. No” for his penchant for voting against bills that expand government. The House observed a moment of silence for Rhonda Massie on Friday.
