Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that his wife, Casey, has been diagnosed with breast cancer

• Casey DeSantis, the wife of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
• “Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up,” DeSantis said in a press release.
• “His wife is probably his No. 1 counsel,” Rep. Brian Mast of Florida told Insider in September.
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that his wife, Casey, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I am saddened to report that Florida’s esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” DeSantis said in a press release. “As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians through her initiatives as First Lady.”

“As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will have not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state,” he continued. “Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.”

The governor’s office did not offer further details on the first lady’s illness. DeSantis – a former equestrian and TV news reporter – has been described as the governor’s top confidante.

“His wife is probably his No. 1 counsel,” Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida told Insider at the Capitol. “They travel together constantly.”

“She has an impressive background in media, and her creativity, insightfulness, and passion for helping people shine through in everything she does,” Christina Pushaw, spokesperson for the governor’s office, told Insider in September, explaining that the governor’s own staff view the Florida first lady as the most influential person in the governor’s orbit.

As first lady, Casey DeSantis became actively involved in a statewide initiative called Hope for Healing to expand mental wellbeing and provide care for substance use. She also chairs the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.