November 6, 2026 - The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) released a statement today honoring former West Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV, who passed away at 89.

“America’s coal miners lost a true friend and steadfast supporter today. Jay Rockefeller didn’t grow up in coal country. But from the moment he landed in West Virginia, he chose to stand right alongside working families. For fifty years he fought for coal miners across West Virginia and the United States. Senator Rockefeller was an honorary UMWA member and true champion of coal miners. His legacy will always live on throughout the coalfields of West Virginia. The entire UMWA family extends our deepest sympathies to Sharon and the Rockefeller family. Coal country will never forget what Jay did for us," said Brian Sanson, UMWA International President.

A Half-Century of Dedicated Public Service

Rockefeller’s connection to Appalachian mining communities dates back to 1964, when he moved to Emmons, West Virginia, as a VISTA volunteer. Living there gave him a firsthand view of the hardships and hazards mining families faced every day.

Throughout his 50-year political career in West Virginia, where he served in the House of Delegates, as the Secretary of State, as a two-term Governor and thirty years in the United States Senate, he made protecting miners one of his central priorities.

Landmark Contributions to Mining Families

Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 (Coal Act): Rockefeller’s landmark legislative achievement secured critical healthcare benefits for over 100,000 retired coal miners, widows, and children across the nation.

Lifelong Advocacy for Coal Communities: Dedicated five decades of public office to championing safety regulations, healthcare access, and economic protection for union workers.

Honorary UMWA Member: Recognized by the union leadership and rank-and-file members as an unwavering defender of coalfield families.

The UMWA family honors the enduring memory of Senator Jay Rockefeller and remains forever grateful for his decades of service to working people.