Wife of Alaska Congressman Don Young Dies

Lu Young, the wife of U.S. Rep. Don Young, has died. She was 67.

Photo: Wife of Alaska Congressman Don Young Dies

A spokeswoman for the Alaska Republican says Lu Young died Saturday night or early Sunday at the couple's home in Great Falls, Va.

Meredith Kenny said the cause of death is unknown but is believed to have stemmed from natural causes. The Youngs were married for 46 years.

"He's obviously very upset right now," Kenny said of the 19-term congressman. "They were inseparable," The Associated Press reports.

The two met in Fort Yukon nearly 50 years ago and have been inseparable since.

"She is my guiding light," Rep. Young told CBS 11 News last year. "And Lu is, I'll always say, the best thing that ever happened to me and that's true."

There had been concerns about Lu's health for years. In December of 2002 she had a mild stroke that took most of her vision and some of her memory, KTVA CBS 11 News Alaska reports.

"I am devastated, as so many Alaskans are, to learn of the loss of Lu Young," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski reacting Lu Young’s death. "She not only was a great Alaskan -- she was a great lady."

"It's a surprise and a true loss," said Sen. Mark Begich in a phone interview Sunday. "Lu was one of these people that -- even though she wasn't elected -- she was an incredible servant to the state and an incredible partner," KTUU reports.