Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) has ordered both the U.S. and Wyoming state flags to be flown at half-staff statewide Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in honor and memory of Ann Simpson, wife of the late former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson. Ann Simpson’s funeral will take place in Cody, Wyoming.

Ann Simpson was a tireless champion of the arts and a cherished figure in Wyoming life. She had numerous roles over her lifetime that helped build Wyoming’s communities and strengthened art in education.

Ann was also a passionate supporter of mental health awareness. While Al was in Congress, she worked with other Congressional wives on mental health initiatives.

Her passing away leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service alongside her late husband. Governor Gordon reflected that honoring her memory is a way to highlight the profound impact she had on the state and its people.

“Ann wasn’t just a partner in Senator Simpson’s historic career; she was a force for good entirely in her own right, a woman of remarkable grace, intelligence, and confidence who championed our communities with extraordinary devotion,” Governor Gordon said. “Her steadfast commitment to Wyoming, her support for mental health awareness, art in education, and the arts overall as well as her unwavering grace defined what it means to be a Wyoming woman. Lowering our state and national flags is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman whose influence will be felt across Wyoming for generations to come.”

The flags will be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings, facilities, and grounds across Wyoming Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, from sunrise to sunset.