Jon Kyl, former Arizona senator, dies at 84

John Kyl, the former Arizona congressman and three-term U.S. senator, died at age 84, his family said in a statement that outlets including The Hill and AP reported Thursday.

The family’s statement, published by The Hill, said Kyl “has passed away at the age of 84 due to complications from a neurological disease,” and that memorial arrangements will be announced later. The AP wrote that Kyl had been diagnosed with dementia and withdrew from public life after the diagnosis.

Kyl served Arizona in the U.S. House from 1987 to 1995 and in the Senate from 1995 to 2013, rising to a leadership post as Senate minority whip, The Hill reported. He briefly returned to the Senate in 2018 when then-Gov. Doug Ducey appointed him to fill the remainder of the late Sen. John McCain’s term, the report said.

A small, empty office desk with a closed legal brief, an unbranded law book and a single lamp turned off; the scene suggests a public servant’s study and quiet aftermath

During his time in Washington, john kyl was a key Republican voice on water rights and judiciary matters, and he worked as a lobbyist between elected terms, including on Supreme Court nominations, The Hill noted. His family’s statement emphasized his long public service and his role as a mentor to other Arizona leaders.

His dementia diagnosis became public in late 2025 when Kyl announced he would step back from public life, a move covered by local and national outlets. The Hill and AP said the family attributed his death to complications of a neurological disease, and that he had been living privately in Phoenix at the time of his death.

An anonymous silhouette of a lone flagpole and an empty bench outside a government building at dusk, soft light and quiet mood suggest remembrance and public service

Colleagues and former Arizona officials posted condolences, with The Hill quoting former governor Doug Ducey praising Kyl’s mentorship and service. The Hill also summarized Kyl’s legislative focus, including his influence on tribal water settlements and immigration-era policy debates while in Congress.

This article links to the site’s earlier coverage of Kyl’s health: Kyl’s dementia announcement, which reported his decision in 2025 to withdraw from public life after the diagnosis.

Sources

Associated Press — reported the family statement and that Kyl had been diagnosed with dementia and withdrew from public life.
The Hill — published the family statement, summarized Kyl’s congressional service and earlier appointment to fill John McCain’s seat.