Tributes pour in for the late former Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente

Tributes from across the region poured in after former CNMI Lt. Governor Diego Benavente passed away yesterday. In an interview with Marianas Press in September, he shared he was diagnosed in August with acute leukemia—the aggressive Philadelphia chromosome-negative type.

In an interview with Marianas Press in September, he shared he was diagnosed in August with acute leukemia—the aggressive Philadelphia chromosome-negative type. The 66-year-old was offered an exhausting treatment plan of chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant, with no guarantee of recovery. He declined. “I didn’t want to go off on months and months of suffering, maybe not even sure if I would ever come back and live a normal life,” he said. “Some have said to me, quality versus quantity. Quality for me right now is really to stay here on Saipan, be with family and friends, continue to do what I love to do, play golf, go fishing.”

The following statements were issued by leaders and organizations across the region honoring a lifetime of service:

Official Statement from the Office of the CNMI Governor and Lieutenant Governor, regarding the passing of the +Honorable Diego T. Benavente.

With deep sorrow and heartfelt respect, the Office of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor announces the passing of the Honorable Diego Tenorio Benavente, Former Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Lieutenant Governor Benavente passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, having chosen to spend his final weeks at home in the Marianas, living each day with intention and purpose. His departure is a profound loss for the Commonwealth and for all who were touched by his steady leadership, his humility, and his lifelong devotion to the people of the Marianas

For more than three decades, Diego Benavente served the people of the CNMI with distinction—as a member of the House of Representatives, three-term Speaker of the House, Lieutenant Governor, and a respected community and regional leader. Guided by integrity and principled leadership, he championed education, environmental stewardship, and responsible governance. His unwavering dedication and love for the Marianas shaped the Commonwealth through pivotal moments, leaving a legacy that will inspire and endure for generations.

Governor Apatang, joined by Lieutenant Governor Mendiola, extends their deepest condolences to Mrs. Vicky Benavente, their children, grandchildren, and the entire Benavente family. “Diego served our Commonwealth with honor and heart. He was a mentor, a steady voice of reason, and a friend. The people of the Marianas are grateful for his lifetime of service, and we join his family in prayer and remembrance during this difficult time.”

Governor Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Mendiola, along with their offices, join the entire Commonwealth in offering thoughts and prayers to the Benavente family and all who mourn the loss of this distinguished son of the Marianas.

Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds:

I am heartbroken at the news of the passing of such an extraordinary man.

Diego Benavente contributed to our Commonwealth in countless ways, but he was also a father, a grandfather, a husband, and a friend. My heart goes out to the Benavente family during this time, along with my appreciation for the bravery and strength you showed during his final months with us. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

We remember a pioneer whose strength, vision, and heart shaped our community for the better. His dedication was not only seen in the work he accomplished but also felt through the kindness, generosity, and wisdom he shared so freely with others. He was a man who led not only with purpose but with compassion, lifting others up, opening doors, and helping build a foundation on which future generations will continue to stand.

His legacy will endure in the community he helped create, in the countless lives he touched, and in the enduring spirit of service and hope he inspired.

Though words cannot ease the loss we all feel, I know that he will always be remembered with admiration, gratitude, and deep respect.

During this difficult time, may our thoughts and prayer be with the Benevente family that they will find comfort in knowing that his life made a lasting and meaningful difference.

CNMI Republican Party President Patrick Cepeda

Today is a sad day for the CNMI. We mourn the passing of the Honorable Diego Tenorio Benavente, a true leader and a man who dedicated his life to serving our people.

On behalf of the Republican Party and myself, we extend our deepest condolences to Auntie Vicky, his children, and the entire Tenorio and Benavente family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Uncle Diego was more than a public servant, he was a man of humility, wisdom, and strength. His years of service as a Representative, Speaker of the House, and Lieutenant Governor left a lasting impact on our islands. His leadership, character, and heart touched countless lives.

For me personally, I thank God for the time I was blessed to spend with him these past couple of years. Getting to know him beyond his title allowed me to see the depth of who he truly was. The lessons, wisdom, and strength he shared with me are things I will carry for the rest of my life.

As we grieve, we also honor his legacy. Uncle Diego will be remembered for his service, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication to the people of the CNMI. His memory will live on in our hearts, in his family, and in the work he leaves behind.

Rest in peace, Uncle Diego. You will be dearly missed, and forever respected.

Guam Governor and Lt. Governor

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio issue the following statement following the passing of former CNMI Lieutenant Governor Diego Benavente:

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero stated, “On behalf of the people of Guam, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of former Lieutenant Governor Diego Benavente and to the people of the CNMI. Diego was not only a respected leader in the Pacific region but also a longtime friend.

Over the years, our paths crossed often through our work, our families, and our shared hope for a stronger Marianas. Even in his hardest moments, he chose to be present with the people he loved, surrounded by the island that shaped him. My heart is with his wife, Vicky, and the entire

Benavente family as they honor a man whose life was rooted in loyalty, kindness, and a genuine devotion to his community.”

“Lieutenant Governor Benavente’s legacy lives in the relationships he built and the steady leadership he offered the CNMI. He carried himself with sincerity and an easy warmth that made people feel seen and heard. These past months have clearly shown his character. He chose family, faith, and the island he cherished, reminding all of us what it means to live a full life. We extend our sympathy to the Benavente family and stand with the people of the CNMI as they remember a leader who gave so much of himself and did it with heart,” added Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio.

Northern Marianas College

The Northern Marianas College mourns the loss of a longtime champion for education, Diego Tenorio Benavente. Throughout his life as an elected statesman, a community volunteer, and a respected leader, Diego always advocated for education, especially higher education. This support extended to the golf course where, as an avid golfer, he played in almost every annual tournament sponsored by the Northern Marianas College Foundation.

It was out of this firm commitment that, even after his diagnosis, Diego insisted on doing a photo and video shoot to promote the next golf tournament marking the College’s 45th Anniversary. Even to the end, he was steadfast in his support, believing that higher education has the power to improve lives. The College is grateful to Diego for participating in the photo and video shot, for his untiring support over the years, and for the indelible legacy he leaves behind.

The College’s Proa Tribe also extends its sincerest condolences to Vicky, his kids, and his family. You remain deep in our prayers just as Diego remains deep in our hearts.

Mt. Carmel School

The Mount Carmel School family joins the Commonwealth in mourning the passing of former CNMI Lieutenant Governor, Diego Tenorio Benavente. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Vicky and the rest of the Benavente family during this diificult time.

Diego was a proud member of the MCS Class of 1977 and an AlumKnight of the Year. During his long career of public service, Diego embodied Christian values of faith, kindness, and humlity. He represented our school’s mission “to see with Christ eyes” both at work and with family.

We offer prayers for the eternal repose of Diego’s soul and we pray that comfort and peace be granted onto Diego’s wife, his children, and their families.

Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan

Mr. & Mrs. Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, together with the Tinian and Aguiguan leadership and the People of Tinian, extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of +Diego Benavente.

We mourn with the Commonwealth as we honor the life of a devoted public servant, a respected leader, and a man whose decades of service strengthened and uplifted our islands. His dedication, humility, and commitment to the people of the CNMI leave behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

During this time of sorrow, we pray that his family finds peace, comfort, and strength. May his memory continue to guide and inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog

We were saddened when we heard the news of the passing of our former Lieutenant Governor, Diego Benavente. He was a dedicated man who served in various capacities to help our people and our Commonwealth. His legacy of leadership and commitment to the people of the CNMI will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his work and kindness. May the perpetual light shine upon him and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

CNMI Legislature

The 24th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature extends its thoughts and prayers to the family of the Late Honorable +Diego Tenorio Benavente. In a tenure of service that spanned nearly three decades as a member of the House of Representatives. He was also lieutenant governor from 2002-2006.

In his distinguished career, he also served in many different regional capacities and is widely respected as a respected lawmaker and statesman. Our deepest condolences to his widow, Vicky, their children, grandchildren, and extended family during this difficult time.