LEXINGTON, Ky. _ Eleanor Carol Leavell Barr, the wife of U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, died unexpectedly in the family's home Tuesday, according to Barr's office. She was 39.
"During this tragic time, we respectfully ask for privacy for Congressman Barr and his family to grieve Mrs. Barr being called home to heaven," Barr's Chief of Staff Mary Rosado said. "Congressman Barr may release a more detailed statement at a later date, but right now is solely focused on being a father to his two beautiful daughters."
Barr, who went by Carol, grew up in Georgetown and went to the University of Kentucky where she majored in communications and information. The couple married in 2008 and had two young girls. Barr worked for Pfizer and previously served as the executive director for the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship in Lexington.
She was a member of the University of Kentucky College of Information National Advisory Board.
Statements of condolence from Kentucky politicians began pouring in Tuesday night.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky released a statement saying that he and his wife, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, were "stunned" and "heartbroken" at the news.
"Her warmth filled whatever room she entered and her contributions made Kentucky a better place for all of us," McConnell said in the statement. "And to Eleanor and Mary Clay, Carol was a wonderful role model and source of constant love. We send our sincere condolences to Andy, their family and his staff at this terribly painful time."
Ryan Quarles, Kentucky's agriculture commissioner, said he grew up in Georgetown with Barr and that his brother graduated the same year as her. He called her a "kind and generous person."
"She was a true Kentuckian," Quarles said. "She loved our state and always had a smile on her face."
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, said the House Republicans joined Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, D-Lexington, in offering condolences to the family.
"Carol was an accomplished woman and business professional," Osborne said. "A devoted friend, and a kind and giving person, she was an unlimited partner in Congressman Barr's service to this Commonwealth. However, above all else, Carol was a loving wife and mother."
Gov. Andy Beshear said he and First Lady Britainy Beshear were "heartbroken" by the sad news.
Mac Brown, the chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky, said "our hearts go out to the Barr family at this tragic news,"
"While there are no words that can heal the pain of losing a loved one, we pray together that God will comfort Congressman Andy Barr, their daughters, and the entire family through this very difficult time," Brown said.
Sen. Rand Paul said his heart was heavy.
"Kelley and I offer our deepest condolences to Rep. Andy Barr, his two daughters, family, and friends," Paul wrote on Twitter. "Please join us in praying for them during this incredibly difficult time."
Rep. James Comer, R-Tompkinsville, said he and his wife were "devastated." Treasurer Allison Ball said she was "heartbroken."
Amy McGrath, Barr's former opponent in the Sixth Congressional District, said she was keeping Barr's family in her prayers.
"While we were political competitors, we are Kentuckians first," McGrath said. "I hope they feel the love of many and we wish him great strength during this very trying time."
Andy Barr is currently running for reelection in Kentucky's sixth congressional district. Josh Hicks, Barr's likely opponent in the fall, called the death "unimaginable."
"While we may disagree politically, we're both family men and I can't fathom the pain he must be experiencing right now," Hicks said.
