SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Jean Rounds, the wife of Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, has died in hospice care. She was 65.
Jean Rounds had been undergoing treatment for cancer since May of 2019.
Doctors initially found a malignant, aggressive tumor near her sciatic nerve and she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery. But Mike Rounds said in September of 2020 that doctors later found another tumor during a checkup.
Mike Rounds, who formerly served as South Dakota’s governor, won a second Senate term last year.
In a statement released to the media Tuesday afternoon, the Senator wrote:
“The love of my life is with the Lord. No more treatments. No more pain. Just peace. South Dakota knew her as First Lady. We knew her as wife, daughter, mom and grandma. She was everything to us. The prayers and support we received throughout this battle were powerful and made a difference. We ask for your continued prayer as we remember her life and grieve together as a family.”
To send condolences to the Rounds family, please visit rounds.senate.gov/Jean or send to:
P.O. Box 309
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
