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Joan Mondale, wife of former VP, enters hospice care, family says

The wife of former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale has entered hospice care.

Joan Mondale, 83, entered hospice care early Friday, according to a family statement released by the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minn., where the Mondales have been long-time members.

"She is surrounded by her family and loved ones as her life on this earth moves peacefully to its close," the statement said.

The former second lady of the United States was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, earning the nickname "Joan of Art" while her husband was vice president under Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981.

Vice President Mondale was the Democratic nominee for president in 1984. He lost to the incumbent President Ronald Reagan, claiming only 13 electoral votes. Mondale also served more than 20 years in the U.S. Senate.