Jon Kyl, 3-term Arizona senator, dies at 84

Former Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who served in Congress for more than 25 years, died at 84 years old from complications related to a neurological disease, his family announced Thursday.

“Our husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Jon Kyl, has passed away at the age of 84 due to complications from a neurological disease,” a statement from Kyl’s family reads.

“We know that Jon belonged to all of Arizona, a state he loved and explored with vigor, curiosity, and wonder. Serving his state and nation in Congress was a privilege and responsibility he honored and respected. We are grateful for his full and meaningful public life.”

“We are grateful, too, for his full and meaningful family life, guided by his faith and endowed with honor, warmth, and love. We cherish his presence in our lives and are thankful he has joined his beloved Creator, Jesus Christ,” the statement concluded.

Memorial services for Kyl will be announced later.

The former GOP lawmaker announced he was diagnosed with dementia in late 2025 and said he would be withdrawing from public life at the time.

He served the Grand Canyon State in the House from 1987-95 before joining the Senate from 1995 to 2013, rising to minority whip during his final years in office. Kyl was appointed by former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) to fill the seat vacated by the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2018 for the remaining months of McCain’s term.

Between his Senate stints, Kyl worked as a lobbyist, notably guiding Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination through the upper chamber.

He also lobbied on behalf of young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, following President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program during his first term.

“Jon Kyl gave Arizona nearly three decades of principled, thoughtful leadership — and he gave me something just as valuable: his mentorship and friendship. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest in peace, Senator Kyl,” Ducey wrote on social media .

Kyl was married for more than 50 years to his wife, Caryll, with whom he shared two children, Kristine and John, and four grandchildren.

The couple met during Kyl’s time in college; Caryll worked as a nurse to put Kyl through law school. He graduated from law school in 1966 and moved to Phoenix to pursue his law career.