Dick Cheney, Former U.S. Vice President, Dies at 84 After Battle with Illness

By Eric Mack | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 07:22 AM EST

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at 84. Cheney’s family confirmed he passed away on November 3, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. His wife of 61 years, Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary, and other family members were by his side.

Cheney’s career spanned decades, including roles as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States. The family statement praised him as a “great and good man” who instilled in his children and grandchildren values of courage, honor, and love for country.

A pivotal figure in American politics, Cheney rose to prominence under President Gerald Ford as White House Chief of Staff, later serving as Secretary of Defense during the Gulf War under George H.W. Bush. As Vice President under George W. Bush, he played a central role in shaping post-9/11 policies, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. His advocacy for expanded executive power and controversial interrogation methods sparked enduring debates over security versus liberty.

Cheney’s legacy is marked by his influence on national security and governance, though his decisions faced sharp criticism. He survived multiple health crises, including heart attacks and a transplant, which underscored his resilience. In later years, he became a target of political scrutiny, particularly after his daughter Liz Cheney emerged as a prominent critic of Donald Trump.

In a surprising turn, Cheney announced in 2024 that he would vote for Kamala Harris in the presidential election. Known for his guarded demeanor and strategic acumen, he once joked about his reputation as a “stealthy manipulator,” quipping, “Am I the evil genius in the corner that nobody ever sees come out of his hole?”

Cheney’s tenure was also defined by controversies, including his role in the Iraq War, where claims of weapons of mass destruction proved unfounded. Despite shifting political tides, he remained a steadfast figure until his retirement to Wyoming.

He is survived by Lynne, Liz, and Mary Cheney. The White House has not issued a statement on his passing.

Politics