Trent Lott: “Jo-Anne Coe, who made history as the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Senate after our good friend Bob Dole…”

“Jo-Anne Coe, who made history as the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Senate after our good friend Bob Dole became Majority Leader in 1985, died suddenly on Friday, September 27, of an aneurysm. We all have experienced the love and friendship of those most loyal staff who work for and with us over a period of years and eras in our lives. And I am calling to the Senate's attention today the loss of Jo-Anne Coe because she was an especially cherished friend and confidante of the entire Dole family, most recently serving as Bob's indispensable Chief of Staff in the private sector. Some referred to her as Bob's alter ego or 'Bob Dole in an ultra suede suit.' All who knew her respected and admired her talent and loyalty to Bob and the Senate institution. On behalf of the entire Senate family, I offer our profound sympathy and prayers to Jo-Anne's family, especially to her daughter Kathryn Lee Coe Coombs of Alexandria, VA.”