- Kit Bond married his second wife, Linda Pell, in 2002 after his first marriage to Carolyn Reid ended in divorce in 1995.
- Linda Bond was a powerful political fundraiser and organizer who worked for the Reagan administration and the Steve Forbes campaign.
- The couple split their time between homes in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Mexico, Missouri, blending Washington life with Midwestern roots.
- Senator Bond is survived by his wife Linda, his son Sam from his first marriage, and two grandchildren.
Kit Bond, the longtime Missouri Governor and United States Senator who passed away in May 2025 at the age of 86, left behind a towering political legacy and a personal life marked by two significant chapters.
While his career in public service spanned four decades, many are curious about the woman by his side in his later years. After his first marriage ended in divorce, Bond found lasting love with Linda Pell, a partnership that defined his final decades until his death.
Kit Bond’s First Marriage to Carolyn Reid and the 1995 Divorce
Before his life with Linda, Christopher “Kit” Bond was married to Carolyn Reid. The couple tied the knot in 1967, a union that coincided with the very beginning of his rise in Missouri politics. During their 27 year marriage, they welcomed their only child, a son named Samuel Reid Bond, who later became a U.S. Marine and a source of immense pride for his father.
However, the strains of a high profile political life and personal circumstances eventually took their toll. The marriage officially ended in divorce in 1995, though some sources indicate they had separated as early as 1994. This dissolution closed one chapter of his life and opened the door for a new beginning.
Who Is Linda Pell? Kit Bond’s Second Wife Background
Linda Pell, who became Linda Bond after her marriage to Kit Bond, was no stranger to the corridors of power herself. A 1976 graduate of Oak Park High School, she built an impressive career in Washington D.C. after earning her Art History degree from the University of Maryland.
Her resume is a testament to her political acumen, having worked in the Reagan administration and as a speechwriter for his 1984 campaign. She later served as Finance Director for Empower America and the Steve Forbes presidential campaign, eventually becoming one of the capital’s most sought after fundraisers and event organizers. Her work even extended to coordinating funeral portions for former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford.
When and How Did Kit Bond Marry Linda Pell in 2002?
Kit Bond and Linda Pell officially became husband and wife in 2002, marking the start of a 23 year marriage that would last until his death. Their wedding brought together two well established figures in Republican politics, uniting the former Senator with a woman who possessed deep experience and connections within the very circles he had navigated for decades.
By the time of their marriage, Linda had already made a name for herself as a Senior Consultant to the Ronald Reagan Library and Foundation, blending her professional expertise with her personal life. The union was a quiet but significant event for the political couple.
Kit Bond and Linda Pell’s Life Together After Marriage
Following their marriage, Kit and Linda Bond built a life together that bridged their professional worlds and personal retreats. They split their time between a home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Bond’s family property in Mexico, Missouri, maintaining strong ties to his home state.
Linda’s background in event planning and fundraising complemented Kit’s ongoing political interests, and she remained a prominent figure in Washington social and philanthropic circles. Their partnership was one of mutual respect and shared history, and those close to the couple noted how Linda took incredible care of Kit, especially in his later years.
Kit Bond’s Family Legacy: Surviving Wife Linda and Son Sam
Kit Bond passed away in St. Louis on May 13, 2025, leaving behind his devoted wife Linda and his son Sam from his first marriage. His legacy continues through Sam, who served as a Marine in Iraq, and his two grandchildren, Elizabeth Ivy Bond and Samuel Walker Bond, whom Kit adored.
The Forbes family deeply mourns the death of Senator Kit Bond, a dear friend. A principled champion of the values that has made America inspiringly unique. Our hearts go out to his wife, Linda, and whole family.
— Steve Forbes (@SteveForbesCEO) May 13, 2025
In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with many acknowledging Linda’s unwavering support throughout their marriage. Governor Mike Kehoe specifically offered condolences to “his wife Linda, his son Sam, and the entire Bond family,” highlighting the close knit nature of the family he left behind.
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Last Updated on March 11, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
