Tatum Dale, a longtime campaign manager and former chief of staff to Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr, died Dec. 24.

The Republican congressman who represents the Lexington area in the U.S. House of Representatives and is running to take the seat of retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell shared news of her passing Thursday.

In a news release and statement across social media platforms, Barr called her “the heart and soul of my team.”

Dale had worked with Barr since his first congressional campaign. When he took office in 2013, Dale took an operations role in Barr’s Washington office.

In 2015, Dale returned to Kentucky to work as a field representative. She worked in several roles for Barr, including district director and deputy chief of staff.

Dale had been managing Barr’s Senate campaign.

“With Tatum’s leadership, my office favorably closed thousands of cases for Kentuckians — helping veterans, seniors, and families throughout our district,” Barr said. “She fought to deliver funds to support dozens of community projects across our Commonwealth.”

Originally from Murray, Dale graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2012. She was also a 2020 graduate of Leadership Lexington and volunteered regularly with Honor Flight Kentucky and the Room in the Inn ministry. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Dale frequently traveled to Haiti to volunteer.

“Tatum loved her family, her faith, and her Commonwealth,” Barr said. “She made me a better Congressman, out staff better public servants, and we will all miss her forever.

“From Murray to Lexington and everywhere in the Commonwealth she touched, we hope you will all join us in praying for Tatum’s family and friends — and be forever inspired by her memory to serve others,” Barr said.

Other Kentucky leaders expressed condolences on social media Thursday.

“Tatum was kind, smart, hardworking, and loved the Lord with all her heart,” said Karen Kelly, chief of staff to Rep. Hal Rogers. “Her smile lit up every room she entered, and she will be missed.”

Former state Sen. Ralph Alvarado, who is running for Barr’s U.S. House seat said, “Tatum was an amazing person, a highly respected political operative, and a truly loved and dear friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her. My family and I are praying that her friends and loved ones find peace and solace during this incredibly difficult time.”

Ryan Quarles, former agriculture commission and former governor candidate who is now president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, said he and Dale shared dinner together three weeks ago.

“I am so saddened and shocked by the loss of such an amazing person, friend, and public servant. Tatum Dale was the sweetest person and dedicated her life towards helping others while serving Kentucky,” Quarles said. “We interned together, she worked on many of my campaigns, and most importantly, was there for me as a caring friend.”

Honor Flight Kentucky, a veterans’ nonprofit that organizes free visits to memorials in the nation’s capital, said in a social media post, “To say we are gutted by this news is a colossal understatement.

“Tatum Dale was a fierce advocate of our veterans and volunteered countless hours to Honor Flight Kentucky,” the group said. “We pray for her family, her friends and all who whose lives were forever touched by her gentle and loving spirit. We will miss you, friend. We will continue your work down here in your honor.”

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