Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing figures in modern American politics, has died at the age of 84, according to a statement released by his family.
Cheney passed away Monday night surrounded by his loved ones, following complications from pneumonia and long-standing heart disease, his family said.
A towering figure in Republican politics, Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. During his tenure, he played a central role in shaping U.S. foreign and national security policy in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was a key advocate for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq and for expanded presidential powers in matters of defense and intelligence.
Before serving as vice president, Cheney held a long and influential career in public service. He was White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, a six-term congressman from Wyoming, and later served as Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush, overseeing the U.S. military during the 1991 Gulf War.
Born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney grew up in Wyoming and earned degrees from the University of Wyoming. Despite suffering multiple heart attacks throughout his adult life — and receiving a heart transplant in 2012 — he remained active in public affairs and conservative advocacy well into his later years.
While hailed by supporters as a strong leader who protected the nation during a time of crisis, Cheney’s tenure was also marked by deep controversy, particularly over the Iraq War and the use of “enhanced interrogation” methods.
In a statement, the Cheney family said:
“For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation with dedication and strength. He loved his country deeply and taught his children and grandchildren to live lives of courage, honor, and integrity.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, recognizing Cheney’s lasting influence on American politics and his decades of service to the nation.