Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) says his wife, Casey DeSantis, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The governor released a statement to Fox News first, saying, “I am saddened to report that Florida’s esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer.”
He added, “As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians through her initiatives as First Lady. As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will have not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.”
Casey DeSantis previously worked as a producer and television host. The outlet noted she has led initiatives, including, “Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity, Economic Self-Sufficiency and Hope.”
She tweeted last month about her children and husband, “Mommy’s angels and my hero, I love you with all my heart. Grateful, Thankful and Blessed.”
Mommy’s angels and my hero, I love you with all my heart ❤️ Grateful, Thankful and Blessed ? pic.twitter.com/ro69TO2DQ9
— Casey DeSantis (@FLCaseyDeSantis) September 24, 2021
Several lawmakers took to Twitter to voice their support for the DeSantis family.
Brianna and I are keeping the First Lady and the entire DeSantis family in our prayers. I know that Casey is a fighter and with the support of her family and friends, she will come out of this test stronger than ever. https://t.co/Ne5jYIvcea
— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) October 4, 2021
Sending well wishes and prayers to my dear friend Casey DeSantis after learning this news. Please join me and Floridians across the state in lifting her up and supporting the DeSantis family during this difficult time.https://t.co/JH5FemhxkK
— Congresswoman Kat Cammack (@RepKatCammack) October 4, 2021
Sending my support and prayers to Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis, Governor DeSantis, and their entire family. We're all in your corner. https://t.co/anH7khicoS
— U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) October 4, 2021
We wish Florida First Lady @CaseyDeSantis a successful treatment and quick recovery. The DeSantis family will be in our prayers. https://t.co/Kq4KiYAqTx
— Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) October 4, 2021
Praying for @FLCaseyDeSantis. She is a fighter. https://t.co/9zuU9wQj9v
— Rep. Madison Cawthorn (@RepCawthorn) October 4, 2021
Praying for @FLCaseyDeSantis ?
— Marjorie Taylor Greene ?? (@mtgreenee) October 4, 2021
Breast cancer is a tough battle, but may God help her beat it.
Judy and I are praying for @FLCaseyDeSantis, and the the entire DeSantis family. We know Casey is strong and resilient, and will continue to fight through this.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) October 4, 2021
DeSantis’ name recently made the rounds over speculation of a 2024 presidential bid, as IJR previously reported.
When asked about it, DeSantis replied, “All the speculation about me is purely manufactured.”
He added, “I just do my job and we work hard. … I hear all this stuff and honestly, it’s nonsense.”
Former President Donald Trump was asked about hypothetically taking on DeSantis in 2024. He told Yahoo Finance, “If I faced him, I’d beat him like I would beat everyone else.”
Still, he said, “I don’t think I will face him.”