Annie Glenn, the wife of former astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn, died Tuesday, May 19 in St. Paul, Minn., at a nursing home near her family — reportedly of complications from COVID-19. She was 100.
Senator Glenn, who was both the first man to circle the Earth in space and the oldest man to go into space, died at age 95 in 2016. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. At the time of his death, the two had been married 73 years. The Glenns made their home in Clear Lake for a number of years while he was with NASA.
The following is a statement by NASA on her passing:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Annie Glenn. A stalwart member of the space and military communities, her courageous support of her legendary husband John was unmatched.
“She provided an example for other women who followed to face the challenges of being part of our nation’s space program, and the stress of having spouses in combat. She stood steadfastly by her husband as he took to space once again as the oldest person to orbit Earth, even as she continued her own lifelong public service on behalf of children, the elderly, and the disabled.
“The Glenns dedication to each other is well known, and we looked to them as an unmatched example of the strength and compassion that a lifetime of devotion creates. She will be missed.”
