Debbie Dingell On Husband John Dingell's Death: 'My True Love Is Gone'

Cover Image
Photo credit U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and wife Debbie pose for photos at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber at Crystal Gardens in Southgate, Mich., on Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Dingell announced his retirement. (Photo by Ryan Garza/Detroit Free Press/MCT/Sipa USA)

DEARBORN (WWJ) - "One can know it is coming, but nothing prepares you for the hole in your heart."

Those are the words from U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell on the passing of her husband, former U.S. Rep. John Dingell. 

John Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress in American history and a master of legislative deal-making, died Thursday at his home in Dearborn. He was 92.

Debbie Dingell issued a statement early Friday morning on Facebook along with the quote: "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living."

To all our friends.My heart is broken. My true love is gone. The tears are flowing pretty freely as I miss the man that made me whole. One can know it is coming, but nothing prepares you for the hole in your heart. He was my one and only true love. Know he loved everyone of you And was proud to call you friend. 

John Dingell served in the U.S. House for 59 years before retiring in 2014. Debbie Dingell successfully ran for her husband's seat in 2014, a position she continues to hold today. 

Along with his wife, John Dingell is survived by two daughters, two sons, one of whom served 15 years in the Michigan Legislature, and several grandchildren.