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They've been married for over 60 years.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Oct 04, 2018
Orrin Hatch has been a household name since 1977 when he was first elected to serve as a U.S. Senator from Utah. Along with Patrick Leahy, he’s one of two Senators to have served while Gerald Ford was president, and along with Chuck Grassley, to serve during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. He’s currently the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
But earlier this year, Hatch announced he will not seek re-election in November and instead, retire at the end of his seventh term as Senator. And recently, with the Brett Kavanaugh hearing to address the sexual assault allegations against him, Hatch has not budged on his support for the Supreme Court nominee.
Since becoming a Senator, Hatch has made his views clear. But does his long-term support of Conservative values affect his personal life? Who is Orrin Hatch’s wife and what has their marriage been like since being elected to serve on the Senate? Here are 5 things to know about Elaine Hansen.
1. They are Mormons.
The couple are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hatch himself served as a Mormon missionary in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and faith greatly affects their lifestyle.
2. They met in college.
Both Hatch and his wife attended Brigham Young University, where the two actually met and were fellow classmates.
3. They’ve been married for over 60 years.
Hatch and Hansen married in 1957. Together, they have six children — Marcia, Scott, Kimberly, Alysa, Brent, and Jesse — 23 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He lovingly refers to his offspring as “Hatchlings.”
4. Their son is a lobbyist.
One of their sons, Scott Hatch, is a lobbyist who works for a lobbying firm in Washington. However, due to his father being a Senator, people have criticized his job, though the Senator has knocked those rumors, saying, “Scott is very touchy about talking to me about anything that his firm does. He has a right to, as far as I am concerned, but he doesn't do it.”
5. They celebrated their anniversary recently.
Last year, the couple celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss! Hatch took to Instagram and posted a sweet photo of the two with balloons.
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.