RALEIGH, N.C. (ABP) -- Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, went into a coma early June 13 and is close to death, a family spokesperson said.

According to a statement released by Larry Ross, Graham's spokesman, Ruth Graham had been treated for pneumonia weeks ago at her home near Asheville, N.C. Her health then began to decline rapidly.

"Ruth is my soul mate and best friend, and I cannot imagine living a single day without her by my side," Graham said in a press statement. "I am more in love with her today than when we first met over 65 years ago as students at Wheaton College."

Ruth Graham, 87, suffers from degenerative osteoarthritis and has been bedridden for several years. Billy Graham, 88, has Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer and fluid on the brain. They recently announced they will be buried at the recently dedicated Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.

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