Rep. Thomas Massie announces death of his wife

WASHINGTON — Rhonda Massie, wife of Rep. Thomas Massie, died Thursday, according to a post shared by the Kentucky Republican on X.

“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,” Massie wrote.

Massie did not disclose the cause of death.

According to Massie, he and Rhonda attended the same high school, where she was valedictorian and the couple attended prom together. They attended college together at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Rhonda earned a degree in mechanical engineering, according to Massie, and then co-founded SensAble Technologies, which they ran for a decade.

The Massies bought the 1,200-acre tobacco farm where Rhonda grew up after selling the company.

As recently as last week, Massie said he and Rhonda were in Washington state, visiting their grandson and touring Mt. Rainier.

“She was the best mammaw ever! We love you Rhonda,” Massie wrote.

Massie is a libertarian-leaning Republican and frequent foil of Republican leadership. In May, Massie supported a motion to vacate Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., that ultimately fell short. His penchant for voting against legislation, including bills offered by his own party, has earned him the moniker “Mr. No.”

He’s represented Kentucky’s 4th District since 2012.

The House observed a moment of silence on the floor on Friday and members paid tribute via social media.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rhonda Massie, the beloved wife of my friend and colleague, Thomas Massie,” Kentucky Republican Rep. Andy Barr wrote on X. “Rhonda’s warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and community touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”

“I know of no finer human being than Thomas Massie. My heart breaks for him and his family. I pray for them, asking that they be comforted at this time of unbearable sorrow,” wrote Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee.