Listen Live

McLEAN, Virginia–Susan Bayh, former first lady of Indiana, died Friday night, her family announced Saturday. Bayh, who was also an attorney, was the wife of former governor Evan Bayh, and served eight years as first lady, beginning in 1988.

Bayh had been open about having brain cancer, going public with a brain tumor in 2015, and another bout in 2018.

She and the former governor met while they were both working in Washington in the early 1980s and married in 1985.

Mrs. Bayh died in Virginia, where the couple had lived since Bayh was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998.

“Janet and I were saddened to learn about the passing of former First Lady Susan Bayh. She was an extraordinary and radiant public servant, wife, mother and friend, who leaves a remarkable impact on our state and nation. I ask all Hoosiers to join us in praying and being there for the Bayh family,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett acknowledged the couple’s openness with the people of Indiana.

“For more than a half-century, and across three generations, the Bayh family has given itself to this state and our country. A talented lawyer, Susan exemplified this spirit of service as First Lady, opening the doors of the Governor’s Residence and inviting the people of Indiana to share in her and Evan’s joy as they became parents to Beau and Nick,” said the mayor.

“In recent years, Susan continued to inspire as she battled cancer with characteristic fearlessness – even as her sons enlisted in the military and swore oaths to support and defend the Constitution on our behalf.”

Bayh was 61.