Rhea Chiles, the widow of former Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, has died, a former aid said.
The Chiles family put out a statement stating that Rhea Chiles died Sunday afternoon. It says the 84-year-old Chiles died at her home on Anna Maria Island, surrounded by family members.
Then-Gov. Lawton Chiles died unexpectedly in 1998 of heart disease, a few weeks before his second term as governor was to end. Chiles served three terms in the U.S. Senate before he became governor.
Rhea Chiles accompanied Lawton Chiles during his entire 40-year political career.
She pushed for the creation of the Florida House in Washington D.C. which serves as a "state embassy" for Floridians. Rhea Chiles also founded the Lawton Chiles Foundation, which provides support and public awareness for children's programs.
Current Gov. Rick Scott issued the following statement Sunday:
Ann and I are saddened by the passing of Rhea Chiles, former First Lady of Florida and wife of the late Governor Lawton Chiles.
Rhea leaves behind a profound legacy of service and commitment to her family, community and state and our thoughts and prayers are with the Chiles family during this time of loss.
May she always be remembered for the tremendous impact she made on so many Floridians.
Photo Courtesy: State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory