Former independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin announced on Tuesday that his older sister passed away at the age of 80.
Manchin said in an Instagram post that his sister, Janet Thompson, died on Sunday surrounded by her family. The former senator described his late sister as a “force of nature” and a “dedicated partner” to Commander Robert G. Thompson, her husband of 56 years.
“It is with heavy hearts that Gayle and I share that my sister, Janet Manchin Thompson, aged 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by her loving family,” Manchin wrote. “She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Commander Robert G. Thompson, and her parents, John Sr. and Mary Manchin. Janet leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and a zest for life that will never be forgotten.”
Thompson is survived by her two children, her granddaughter, her five siblings and several other relatives, according to Manchin’s post.
The former senator’s sister pursued her passion for cooking by working alongside several chefs and by operating a restaurant enterprise. The family asked that loved ones share or donate a meal in Thompson’s honor.
“Her recipes and ability to turn any gathering into an event will continue to be a source of comfort, tradition, and connection for generations to come,” Manchin continued.
Manchin, who served in the Senate from November 2010 until January 2025, announced in November 2023 that he would not seek reelection after polling found that he would lose to his challenger, then-Republican Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia. He later stepped away from the Democratic Party and registered as an independent in May 2024, stating that he wanted to “bring the country together.”
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