U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky announced his wife, Rhonda, has died.?

In a Friday morning social media post on X, the congressman expressed thanks for “prayers for our family in this difficult time.”?

“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,” Massie wrote.?

The congressman, a Republican who represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, met his wife at Lewis County High School in Northeastern Kentucky in the 1980s. They both went on to earn degrees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and launched a business, SensAble Technologies. They later sold the business and moved back to Lewis County.?

The Massies have four children. No information about the cause of death has been released.?

Several Kentucky Republicans offered their condolences Friday morning. Fellow Congressman Andy Barr said on X that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Rhonda Massie’s death.?

“Rhonda’s warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and community touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” Barr said. “During this heartbreaking time, my thoughts and prayers are with Thomas, their four children, and the entire Massie family.”?

State Auditor Allison Ball, who became the first statewide officer in Kentucky to give birth while in office as treasurer, shared on X that she sought parenting advice from Rhonda Massie on several occasions.?

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Rhonda Massie,” Ball said. “Rhonda was always so wonderful to me. She encouraged me through my first pregnancy and made the best homemade pies. Asa and I are praying for Congressman Massie and the Massie family.”

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said on X he and First Lady Britainy Beshear were “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,” the governor said.