BREAKING: Former Republican Congresswoman Dies at Age 83

Former U.S. Representative Kay Granger has passed away at the age of 83 years old.

Prior to her career in Congress, Granger was the first female Mayor of Forth Worth, TX.

Then, in 1997, she became the first Republican woman from Texas to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Later in her career, Granger made history again by becoming the first Republican woman to serve as appropriations chair.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson honored Rep. Granger in a statement on X:

Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community — as a teacher and businesswoman, on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council, as Mayor, and in Congress for nearly three decades, where she also served as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations…

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) August 3, 2026

Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community — as a teacher and businesswoman, on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council, as Mayor, and in Congress for nearly three decades, where she also served as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service. She was the first woman to serve as Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee.

Kelly and I send our prayers to her family, loved ones, and the Fort Worth community as we remember her extraordinary life of service and lasting legacy. She was a dear friend who will be greatly missed.

This is an impressive legacy…

However, Rep. Granger’s final months in the House of Representatives were riddled with controversy.

As you may recall, after she disappeared from the public in July 2024, an investigative reporter discovered that she had been admitted to an assisted living home in Texas.

CBS News reported further:

After serving in the U.S. House since Jan. 3, 1997, the North Texas Republican stepped aside, addressing health challenges and extended absences from Washington before completing her final term and retiring in January 2025.

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Her office released a statement at the time on her behalf:

“As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year. However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable. During this time, my incredible staff has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver exceptional constituent services, as they have for the past 27 years.”

A spokeswoman for Granger denied a report by an internet news site that she was living in a memory care facility. Instead, the spokeswoman and Granger’s son said she was living in an independent living facility. Granger’s son told the Dallas Morning News she was “having some dementia issues late in the year.”

Tributes for Kay Granger are pouring in from those who knew and worked with her.

Take a look:

Kay Granger was a pioneer, a dedicated public servant, and a trailblazing leader who opened doors for generations of Republican women to follow. Her impact on Congress and our Nation will not be forgotten. My prayers are with her family and loved ones. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cGvx2aY8Af

— Chairwoman Lisa McClain (@RepLisaMcClain) August 3, 2026

I had the honor and pleasure of serving on Kay’s Appropriations Committee during her time as chair. She was a titan and trailblazer, serving Ft. Worth in multiple capacities. My thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time. https://t.co/5lWyiukk4N

— Rep. Dan Newhouse (@RepNewhouse) August 3, 2026

I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my former Texas colleague, Congresswoman Kay Granger.

She was a dedicated public servant who always put her community first. Her leadership on the Appropriations Committee left a lasting mark on the Great State of Texas.

My family and I’s… https://t.co/AF1WqpNZOR

— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) August 3, 2026

Rest in peace.