Sen. Feinstein’s husband dies of cancer

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) announced Monday that her husband Richard Blum has died of cancer at the age of 86.

Blum died on Sunday night at the family home, according to a statement from the senator. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Feinstein said “My heart is broken today” when announcing Blum’s death.

“My husband was my partner and best friend for more than 40 years. He was by my side for the good times and for the challenges. I am going to miss him terribly,” she said.

“We have a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. Dick, we love you, we’ll miss you and we’ll continue to celebrate everything you accomplished during an amazing life,” she added.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she and her husband were “heartbroken” to hear about Blum’s death, calling him a “dear friend.”

“All of us fortunate enough to know Richard and his beloved wife, Senator Dianne Feinstein, know that they share a beautiful love and partnership that was truly a joy to behold,” Pelosi added.

Blum made headlines last March when The New York Times reported that he was eyeing an ambassadorship. The wealthy financier was reportedly interested in a position in a European capital.

Blum served as the chairman of Blum Capital Partners, an equity investment management firm.

Feinstein spent a week outside of Washington in September because Blum had been hospitalized, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. She reportedly missed several votes in her absence.

An unnamed source close to Blum told the San Francisco Chronicle at the time that the financier was “significantly ill,” but noted that he had not contracted COVID-19. In 2018, however, he had a debilitating respiratory issue, according to the newspaper.

Feinstein’s office said Blum’s “true passion was outside the office,” noting his involvement with the people of the Himalayas, having founded the American Himalayan Foundation.

The investor was also dedicated to stopping human trafficking, bolstering health care, supplying elder and child care and “promoting the region’s vibrant culture,” according to Feinstein’s office.

The senator said Blum was “incredibly devoted to his family, particularly his daughters and his grandchildren, and my heart is with them and everyone who Dick encountered.”

“He was the type of man who really replaced his divot in life, who left things better than he found them. His enormous generosity is an inspiration for so many of us,” she added.