Honey Alexander, the wife of former Tennessee governor and senator Lamar Alexander, passed away suddenly on October 29, 2023, at their home in Maryville, Tennessee. She was 77 years old. The cause of death has not been officially announced, but online reports claim that she died of natural causes. Honey Alexander was a prominent figure in Tennessee politics, serving as the first lady of the state from 1979 to 1987 and supporting her husband’s campaigns for president, governor, and senator. She was also a philanthropist and a champion of education, health care, and the arts.
Early Life and Education
Honey Alexander was born as Leslee Kathryn Buhler on October 12, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. She was the second oldest of five children. Her father, Charles Buhler, was a businessman and a pilot, and her mother, Kathryn Buhler, was a homemaker and a volunteer. Honey grew up in San Marino, California, and attended San Marino High School, where she was a cheerleader and a student leader. She graduated in 1963 and enrolled at Stanford University, where she met Lamar Alexander, who was a senior at the time. They married in 1970, after Lamar graduated from law school and Honey earned her bachelor’s degree in history.
Political and Public Service
Honey Alexander moved to Tennessee with her husband in 1971, when he became a staff assistant to Senator Howard Baker. She quickly adapted to the Southern culture and became involved in various civic and charitable organizations. She also helped her husband run for governor in 1974, but he lost the Republican primary to Ray Blanton. In 1978, Lamar Alexander ran again for governor and won, becoming the first Republican to hold the office in 50 years. Honey Alexander became the first lady of Tennessee and played an active role in promoting education, health care, and the arts in the state. She also supported her husband’s bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 1996 and 2000, and his campaigns for the U.S. Senate in 2002, 2008, and 2014. She was known for her warmth, grace, and charm, as well as her sense of humor and her love of music.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Honey Alexander was a generous donor and a board member of many nonprofit organizations, such as the Nashville Symphony, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Frist Art Museum, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the Tennessee State Museum. She also founded the Honey Alexander Center, a facility that provides services and support for children and families affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect. The center is located at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and is part of the Our Kids organization. Honey Alexander was also a devoted mother of three children and a grandmother of nine. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Lamar Alexander; her children, Drew, Leslee, and Will; her grandchildren, Taylor, Eli, Katherine, Claire, Caroline, William, Sarah, Isabel, and Lamar; her brothers, Charles and John; and her sisters, Kathy and Carol. The Alexander family stated that there will be a private graveside service for family members at the family cemetery at Hesse Creek Chapel in Walland, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held later at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville. Dates for both services were not immediately provided. Instead of flowers, the Alexander family stated that memorials may be made to the Honey Alexander Center. Honey Alexander will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, as well as a distinguished first lady, a dedicated public servant, and a compassionate philanthropist. She touched the lives of many people with her kindness, generosity, and spirit.
