Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

US Rep. Jim Cooper's wife dies after battle with Alzheimer's

Tennessee U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper’s office says the Democrat's wife has died years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease

Via AP news wire
Thursday 04 February 2021 13:19 EST
Obit-Congressman's Wife
Obit-Congressman's Wife (THE TENNESSEAN)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tennessee U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper's wife died Thursday “after years of struggling with Alzheimer's ” the Democrat's office announced.

Martha Cooper, 66, passed away surrounded by her husband and children at their Nashville home, according to a news release.

“The family is grateful for the outpouring of support these last weeks,” Cooper's office said.

The longtime Nashville congressman had been married to Martha Cooper for nearly 36 years. The couple had three children together and one grandchild.

“Martha’s charm and optimism were heroic, eclipsing her illness,” a tribute for Martha Cooper stated. “She loved car travel; on bumpy roads she’d say ‘this makes me wiggle.’ In recent years, she drew wobbly hearts on everything… with a Sharpie when she could find one.”

Jim Cooper has held his Nashville-area House seat since 2003. Before that, he spent time serving in the House from 1983 to 1995.

More than 5 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide have Alzheimer’s. Current drugs only temporarily ease symptoms and do not alter the course of the disease.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in