Former Vice President Dick Cheney has passed away at the age of 84.

Dick Cheney, the influential and often controversial Republican vice president who served under President George W. Bush, has died at the age of 84, his family announced. A defining figure in American politics for more than four decades, Cheney was widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in modern U.S. history and a key architect of the post-9/11 “war on terror.”

Serving as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009, Cheney played a pivotal role in shaping the Bush administration’s domestic and foreign policies. His tenure was marked by immense influence over national security decisions, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the expansion of executive power in times of conflict.

According to a statement from his family, Cheney died “due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.” He had long struggled with severe heart problems throughout much of his adult life, surviving multiple heart attacks before receiving a heart transplant in 2012. At the time, he described the procedure as “the gift of life itself,” expressing gratitude to his donor and renewed appreciation for every day thereafter.

The statement confirmed that Cheney passed away surrounded by family. “His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed,” it read. “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing,” his family said.

The tribute continued, “We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”

Born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Cheney’s political career began in the 1960s and quickly ascended through the ranks of Washington power. He served as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, later becoming a congressman from Wyoming for six terms. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed him as Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw Operation Desert Storm and the U.S.-led coalition victory in the Gulf War.

When George W. Bush selected him as his running mate in 2000, few anticipated just how much influence Cheney would wield. As vice president, he operated largely behind the scenes, steering foreign policy, defense strategy, and intelligence operations. His approach was assertive, sometimes secretive, and often divisive—earning both fierce criticism and deep respect.

While many disagreed with his hawkish stance on foreign policy, even his critics acknowledged his intellect, discipline, and deep understanding of government operations. Cheney was known for his steadiness, his strategic mind, and his ability to navigate crises with composure. His defenders often described him as a patriot who made difficult decisions in an era of unprecedented national threat.

Beyond politics, Cheney was known for his enduring marriage to Lynne Cheney, an author and scholar, and for his devotion to his family. His daughter Liz Cheney followed in his political footsteps, serving as a U.S. Representative from Wyoming and becoming a prominent voice within the Republican Party.

In his later years, Cheney largely retreated from public life but remained outspoken on national security and leadership. His memoir, In My Time, published in 2011, offered a candid look into his career and his views on the challenges of American governance.

Dick Cheney leaves behind a complex legacy—one of immense power, conviction, and controversy. To supporters, he was a steady hand who guided the nation through some of its darkest hours. To detractors, he represented an era of overreach and secrecy. Yet even his critics often recognized his influence as unmatched among modern vice presidents.

He is survived by his wife Lynne, their daughters Liz and Mary, and several grandchildren.

“Rest in peace, Dick Cheney,” the family concluded. “Your strength, your service, and your unwavering love of country will never be forgotten.”