and the new rules instrumental in protecting Native American children and preserving tribal families. He noted that the late Senator Barry Goldwater, his friend and colleague, had voted for the legislation in 1977 and had often consulted with him in tribal matters. Huffington Post writer James Zogby in 2014 praised Abourezk as a "bold and courageous former Senator" for protesting to the FBI after the ABSCAM operation. Personal life and death Abourezk was married three times. His first marriage was to Mary Ann Houlton in 1952, which ended in divorce. They had three children. He subsequently married and divorced Margaret Bethea, before marrying Sanaa Dieb in 1991, with the couple remaining together until his death. Abourezk lived in South Dakota for most of his life. He died at his home in Sioux Falls on February 24, 2023, his 92nd birthday. See also List of Arab and Middle Eastern Americans in the United States Congress References External links American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee official website |- |- |- 1931 births 2023 deaths 20th-century American lawyers 20th-century American politicians American politicians of Lebanese descent Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from South Dakota Democratic Party United States senators from South Dakota Direct democracy activists Greek Orthodox Christians from the United States Members of the United States House of Representatives from South Dakota Middle Eastern Christians Military personnel from South Dakota People from Mellette County, South Dakota Politicians from Rapid City, South Dakota Politicians from Sioux Falls, South Dakota South Dakota lawyers South Dakota School of Mines and Technology alumni University of South Dakota School of Law alumni Writers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota