Israel’s First Lady Nechama Rivlin has on Tuesday died of lung failure at the age of 73.

Rivlin had received a lung transplant in March after suffering from a pulmonary illness for years.

Despite her condition, she regularly appeared in public alongside her husband with a mobile oxygen device.

In a statement, President Rivlin thanked Beilinson Hospital’s staff for the “dedicated, sensitive and professional treatment she received over the last few months, nights and days, with a broad and welcoming heart.”

Born in an Israeli farming community, Rivlin married the future president in 1971 and was a trusted adviser throughout his political career.

She was a researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem where she worked in the zoology, ecology, and genetics departments until 2007.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among others, has paid tribute to the First Lady. “Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife Sara and I express deep sorrow for the passing of the wife of the president, Nechama Rivlin,” he said.

“We all prayed for her healing during the last period in which she fought bravely and intensely for her life. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the president and to all his family. R.I.P,” he added,

Meanwhile Blue and White party co-chairman Benny Gantz said the party is “bowing its head in memory” of Rivlin. “Nechama was a wonderful woman, she faced difficulties with a smile and a model for all of Israel. R.I.P,” he added.

The Jewish Leadership Council tweeted its “deepest condolences” to President Rivlin and his family. “May her memory be a blessing,” they added.

In a statement, the Zionist Federation wrote: “When her husband became President and they moved to the President’s Residence, Nechama chose to focus on art, activities for children with special needs, the environment and nature, a manifestation of her compassion and love of people.

“We hope and pray that the family will, in time, find strength and comfort from their memories of their wife, mother and grandmother Nechama.”

Rivlin is survived by her husband, her three children Rivka, Anat, and Ran and seven grandchildren.