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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will take some time off to support his longtime girlfriend and domestic partner Sandra Lee, who announced Tuesday she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Cuomo plans to be by her side as Lee, a TV chef, undergoes a double mastectomy. She is 48.

“A situation like this quickly puts life in the proper perspective and reminds one of what’s truly important,” Cuomo said Tuesday in a statement. “To that end, I expect to take some personal time because I want to be with Sandy to support her in any way I can as she handles the trauma of her operation and the pain of the recovery.”

Lee revealed her diagnosis in a segment that aired Tuesday morning on ABC and said Cuomo has been “extremely supportive.”

“With heartfelt gratitude for your kind wishes and support, Sandy and I hope and pray to bring you good news of her strong recovery soon,” Cuomo said in his statement.