Jean Carnahan, the first woman to represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate after being appointed to fill the seat vacant by her husband’s death in 2000, has died at the age of 90.
Ms. Carnahan passed away at a hospital in St. Louis after a brief illness, according to a statement released by her family on Tuesday. It is unclear what caused her death.
“Mom passed peacefully after a long and rich life. She was a fearless trailblazer. She was brilliant, creative, compassionate, and dedicated to her family and her fellow Missourians,” her family stated.
She served as first lady of Missouri when her husband, Mel Carnahan, became governor in 1992. The couple were married on June 12, 1954.
In October 2000, Mel Carnahan, along with their oldest son, Randy Carnahan, and his campaign adviser, died in an airplane crash, just three weeks before the 2000 election.
He was elected posthumously on the election day. Acting Gov. Roger Wilson later appointed Ms. Carnahan to succeed her husband, making her the first female senator in Missouri history.
She served from Jan. 3, 2001, to Nov. 25, 2002. After her appointment, Ms. Carnahan gave a speech in the Senate in which she noted her tragic path to the chamber.
“My name has never been on a ballot. On election night, there was no victory celebration,” she said.
“You are here because of your win. I am here because of my loss. But we are all here to do the work of this great nation.”
“As matriarch of the greatest political dynasty in modern Missouri history, Jean Carnahan was dedicated to her family. As a U.S. senator and first lady, her dedication to the people of Missouri was unsurpassed.”
“We know Jean’s legacy lives on with her family and with each and every Missourian whose life was touched by her time in public service. Rest in peace,” Mr. Parson posted on X.
A private family service will be held at Carson Hill Cemetery near Ellsinore, Missouri, where her husband and son are buried. A public service is being planned in St. Louis, with details expected to be announced later.
