Iowa’s first gentleman diagnosed with lung cancer

Iowa’s first gentleman Kevin Reynolds was diagnosed with lung cancer, according to a statement from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R). 

Kim Reynolds announced the diagnosis Thursday morning, writing in the statement, “We’re grateful to the incredible medical team caring for Kevin. Our doctor has assured us that significant advancements in lung cancer treatment have been very effective and we have every reason to be optimistic. We are confident in our team as we begin treatment, and we will beat this together.” 

Kevin Reynolds became Iowa’s first-ever first gentleman after former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) stepped down in 2017 to become then-President Trump’s envoy to China, making then-Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds the Hawkeye State’s first female governor. She won a full term as governor in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. 

The pair married in 1982 and have three daughters and 11 grandchildren. 

“Kevin has been my anchor throughout our 41 years of marriage, and I will be the same for him as he begins treatment,” Kim Reynolds said Thursday. “We are blessed to be surrounded by a loving family and a community of prayer warriors. We know God is with us on this journey.” 

Kevin Reynolds began his career in soil and water conservation in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, before working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he went to Mount Pleasant and Leon, Iowa. He retired in March of 2017. 

Described as an “avid outdoorsman,” he is passionate about educating Iowa residents on the state’s natural resources.