Lynda Petty, wife of seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty, dies at 72
Lynda Petty, the wife of seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty died at the age of 72 on Tuesday.
Petty had been battling cancer, central nervous system lymphoma, for the past four years.
She and Richard were married in 1958.
"We wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us and our family throughout the years and at this time," a statement from the Petty family said. "We will forever love and miss a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend."
"On behalf of the France Family and everyone at NASCAR, I want to offer sincere condolences to the Petty Family regarding the loss of their beloved matriarch, Lynda Petty," NASCAR CEO Brian France said in a statement. "Through the years, Lynda became an integral part of the NASCAR family. We have lost a true friend, who will be missed each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Pettys throughout this difficult time."
Richard and Lynda had four children, son Kyle and daughters Sharon, Lisa and Rebecca.
Believe it or not, Lynda wasn't the biggest race fan, even as her husband is one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in NASCAR history.
"I don't think I've ever liked it, and I have to be very honest in saying that," she once said (via USA Today.) "Richard, when we were first married, I was 17 years old. And, of course, anywhere Richard went and I could be with him, I was happy."
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