Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving treatment for a heart condition at a hospital in Zanzibar.

The 77-year-old died at about 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 7, at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, according to Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who announced his death.

Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, the family, relatives and friends, as well as the people of Tanzania. He also said funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.

Hafidh became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman in 2021 after his wife became the country’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli.

An agricultural academic who largely maintained a private life, Hafidh married Samia in 1978. The couple had four children — three sons and a daughter, who is a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.