Sen. Thad Cochran has wed his aide of nearly 35 years, his office announced Monday.
The Mississippi Republican married Kay Webber in a private family ceremony in Gulfport on Saturday. Webber, who serves as Cochran’s executive assistant, has worked in his office since 1981.
The wedding comes five months after the death of Cochran’s wife of 50 years. Rose Cochran passed away in December after spending more than a decade in a personal care facility suffering from dementia.
Cochran and Webber were accused last year of carrying on an affair by supporters of Republican Chris McDaniel, who tried, but failed, to topple Cochran in the primary election. Travel records showing that Webber frequently accompanied Cochran on multiple professional trips fueled the claims.
But Cochran’s office denied the charges, saying there was nothing inappropriate in his interactions with Webber. His staff also tried to tamp down rumors of the planned wedding as recently as last week.
Four individuals involved in the rumors last year were arrested on felony charges, including Pearl blogger Clayton Kelly, who took photographs of Cochran’s bedridden first wife and posted them online.
Those arrested also included attorney Mark Maryfield, who committed suicide two months later, along with former radio host John Mary — who pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges — and educator Richard Sager, who still faces charges.
