U.S. Senator Katie Britt Releases Statement Following the Death of Dr. Annette Nevin Shelby

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today released a statement following the death of Dr. Annette Nevin Shelby, the wife of former U.S. Senator Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.), at age 86.

“It is with a heavy heart that today Wesley and I mark the death of a true Alabama trailblazer, Dr. Annette Nevin Shelby. From her roots in rural Coffee County, a place I am also proud to call home, to breaking barriers as the first woman to become a tenured professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Dr. Shelby’s brilliance, grit, and determination showed in everything she accomplished. She forever changed the lives of countless students. I’m fortunate to count myself as one of those who she mentored and encouraged throughout her long career – Dr. Shelby’s faith and confidence in another young woman from the Wiregrass changed what was possible for my life. In large part, Richard Shelby was able to stand on the mountaintop as Alabama’s greatest statesman because he was married to Annette Nevin Shelby. Her passion for higher education, incredible intellect, and immense influence was evident when Senator Shelby invested millions to elevate research and opportunities at Alabama’s colleges and universities. Our prayers are with Senator Shelby; his two sons, Richard Jr. and Claude; daughter-in-law, Lisa; two beloved grandchildren, Anna and William; and the countless others who join us in mourning the loss of this incredible woman.”

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