Barrasso announces wife’s death

Sen. John Barrasso’s (R-Wyo.) wife, Bobbi, has died from brain cancer, his office announced Thursday.

“After a courageous battle with cancer, Bobbi is now at peace and at home with the Lord. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Bobbi was a leader, fierce advocate for Wyoming, and friend to everyone she met,” Barrasso said in a statement.

“We miss her dearly. On behalf of our entire family, we thank everyone for your prayers and continued support as we remember her and grieve together,” he continued.

Barrasso’s office confirmed Bobbi died at home in Casper, Wyo. on Wednesday night after a two-year battle with a Glioblastoma brain tumor. She was 70 years old.

Barrasso and his wife got married in 2008 after dating for five years and have three children — Peter, Emma and Hadley. She is also survived by her younger brother, Mike.

A native of Wyoming, Bobbi grew up in the town of Thermopolis and graduated from the University of Wyoming with degrees in speech pathology and law, according to the Meridian International Center.

She had an extensive career in public service and worked for the late Sens. Malcolm Wallop (R-Wyo.) and Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.). She helped found the group Congressional Spouses for Suicide Prevention and Education, where she sought to promote awareness about suicide in Wyoming and across the country, the Meridian International Center added.

Bobbi also had a bout with breast cancer in 2003 and made a complete recovery following surgery, radiation and chemo, Barrasso’s office confirmed. She went on to advocate for early detection and early treatment and was involved with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Komen Wyoming.

Condolences poured in on Thursday, with several lawmakers remembering Bobbi for her mental health advocacy.

“Bobbi’s home state is better for her decades of devoted advocacy for a host of worthy causes. In addition to her tireless work on breast cancer treatment and awareness, Bobbi inspired action in Wyoming and Washington on issues ranging from suicide prevention to historical preservation and support for survivors of child abuse,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wrote in a statement.

“Elaine and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Bobbi Barrasso. Our friend and colleague John wore his love for Bobbi on his sleeve,” he added.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R) of Wyoming said Bobbi has “been lighting up rooms with her infectious smile, natural warmth and generosity of sprit,” since the two met at the University of Wyoming.

Pointing to her work for Wallop, Thomas, suicide prevention and mental health advocate, Lummis said Wyoming “had no more loving champion than Bobbi,” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Republican Sens. Katie Boyd Britt (Ala.) and Joni Ernst (Iowa) shared similar messages, writing Bobbi will be missed by many.  

“Bobbi fought a courageous battle with cancer and will be missed by so many. We know the Lord’s saving grace will be a comfort during this time of mourning,” Britt wrote on X.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said Bobbi was a “truly delightful person and a blessing to all who knew her.”

“Bobbi was an incredible woman who championed mental health in her beloved state of Wyoming, and she continued to serve others even as she battled cancer,” Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) wrote in an emailed statement.

Barrasso, 71, is the third-ranking member in the Senate’s Republican leadership and serves as chair of the Senate Republican Conference.

Prior to being elected to Congress in 2007, he served in the Wyoming State Senate and spent 24 years as an orthopedic surgeon.

Updated at 12:23 p.m.