The former first lady of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has died from complications of COVID-19 coronavirus, the tribe confirmed Friday.

Lena John Denson, 70, died Thursday, the tribe said. Her husband, Miko Beasley Denson served a single term as the Choctaw chief.

Lena Denson had worked for nearly three decades as the director of the tribe’s elderly nutrition program.

Lena Denson’s family released a statement on her death, thanking family and friends for their support, along with expressing gratitude to the medical staff who provided care.

“Our family will endure the pain of not hearing her voice, having her hugs and most importantly the love she had for everyone,” the statement read. “However, we find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering from this dreaded virus and this is not our final goodbye, it’s ’till we meet again.'”