(The Center Square) – Gov. Kim Reynolds’ husband has been diagnosed with lung cancer, her office said Thursday.
First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds is currently undergoing treatment.
“We’re grateful to the incredible medical team caring for Kevin,” the governor said in a statement. “Our doctor has assured us that significant advancements in lung cancer treatment have been very effective and we have every reason to be optimistic. We are confident in our team as we begin treatment, and we will beat this together.”
The couple got married in April 1982 and have three children and 11 grandchildren, according to the governor’s office.
“Kevin has been my anchor throughout our 41 years of marriage, and I will be the same for him as he begins treatment,” Kim Reynolds said. “We are blessed to be surrounded by a loving family and a community of prayer warriors. We know God is with us on this journey.”
Kevin grew up in southern Warren County on his family’s 500-acre farm, according to his biography on the governor’s website. After working in soil and water conservation, he took a job at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist and later as a District Conservationist.
He remains passionate about soil health and water quality and has made educating Iowans about the state’s natural resources one of his priorities as First Gentleman, according to the governor’s office.