[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING THE DEDICATED LIFE OF FORMER TENNESSEE FIRST LADY MARTHA 
                               SUNDQUIST

  (Mr. Kustoff of Tennessee was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KUSTOFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Martha 
Sundquist.
  Martha passed away on March 11 of this year, and she served as First 
Lady of Tennessee from 1995 to 2003, alongside Governor Don Sundquist, 
a former Member of the House of Representatives. She used her position 
to bring people across Tennessee closer together.
  Though she was born in Illinois, Martha planted her roots in 
Tennessee. She often said that she got to Tennessee as quickly as she 
could, and over time, she and her family lived in each of Tennessee's 
three grand divisions.
  Martha's favorite saying was to ``bloom where you are planted,'' and 
she carried that with her wherever life took her.
  As the First Lady of Tennessee, Martha brought a steady, approachable 
presence and authority to the job. She was deeply involved in 
communities across the State of Tennessee. She spent time in schools 
with parents, teachers, and families, making sure that people felt 
seen, and leaving a lasting impression.
  In addition, Martha Sundquist placed a strong emphasis on the next 
generation. She brought to Tennessee the Easter egg roll at the 
Governor's residence, which became one of her most meaningful 
traditions. It expanded to welcome underserved kindergartners for a 
morning of games, lunch, and visits from beloved characters that made 
the day truly feel special.
  Care for Tennessee's natural beauty was also central to Martha's 
mission as the First Lady. Martha supported efforts to plant 
wildflowers along the State's highways and helped to promote products 
grown and made in the State of Tennessee. Martha's legacy in this area 
lives on in the State forest in Cocke County that bears her name.
  Martha also understood the importance of preserving the Governor's 
residence and its history. Martha worked to maintain the Governor's 
residence, while ensuring that it remained a place where Tennesseans 
and visitors felt welcomed each and every day.
  Even before Martha's time as First Lady, her commitment to service 
was clear. It was a real honor. In the late 1980s, she was appointed by 
President Ronald Reagan to the Board of Governors of the United Service 
Organizations, helping to support members of our military and their 
families. That role was really important to Martha.
  Madam Speaker, I have to tell you that for all who knew her, 
throughout her life, Martha led with grace. She met people with warmth 
in every single interaction.
  I will say that Martha, for those who knew her, was never one to seek 
the spotlight. Those close to her would say that she and Governor 
Sundquist had an understanding that she would be the First Lady 24/7, 
but she would also focus on her family and her friends at the same 
time, and all the things that she loved, including time in her garden 
and on the golf course.
  While I was working on these remarks, I talked to her longtime 
friend, Wendell Moore. Wendell served Tennessee as the principal deputy 
and chief of staff to Governor Sundquist.
  This is what Wendell had to say about Martha Sundquist: ``Martha 
touched countless lives in various ways, and always in a kind and 
thoughtful way. Her humility was ever present, as she never put herself 
first but, rather, served others. Her selfless concern, love, and 
kindness for others should be a model for all of us to follow.''
  Madam Speaker, Roberta and I are saddened by the loss of Martha 
Sundquist. I believe Martha will always be remembered not only as a 
strong advocate for her State and its people but also for the example 
that she set in public life.
  Martha Sundquist was completely devoted to her husband, Don, and her 
entire family. Today and always, our thoughts are with her children, 
Andrea, Tania, and Deke.

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