Rhonda Massie, the wife of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has died. The northern Kentucky congressman announced her passing on social media.

“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 wise queen forever, Rhonda went to Heaven,” he shared. 

“Thank you for your prayers for our family in this difficult time.”

Massie said she was the valedictorian at their high school. They went to prom together, and she earned a degree in mechanical engineering from MIT. He also shared they spent the last week touring Mt. Rainier with their grandson. “She was the best mammaw ever! We love you Rhonda,” Massie said.

Fellow Kentucky congressional representatives Andy Bar, R-Ky., and Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., shared their condolences online. “Rhonda’s warmth, kindness and dedication to her family and community touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” Barr said. 

Barr suffered a similar tragedy four years ago when his wife, Eleanor Carol Leavell Barr, died. She was 39.

“My thoughts and prayers are with @RepThomasMassie and the entire Massie family during this terrible loss. Rhonda was an incredible woman,” Guthrie shared. 

Kentucky state Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, said his "heart breaks" for the congressman and the couple's children.

"Rhonda was a fantastic human being, and her loving marriage with Congressman Massie was among the most beautiful you could imagine," Schickel said. "They were high school sweethearts and college classmates. It was a true love story."

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said he and his wife, Brittainy, were saddened by the news. "Please join us in sending prayers of peace and comfort."

No information about the cause of death has been released.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.