Former US vice president Dick Cheney has passed away at the age of 84 due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. In a statement shared by the former American politician's family, it was revealed that he died surrounded by his wife Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary, and other family members. "Richard B. Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, died last night, November 3, 2025. He was 84 years old," read the statement. "His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed."
Cause of death
The statement continued: "The former vice president died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming's Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honour, love, kindness, and fly fishing. 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." According to CNN, Dick had endured three heart attacks and a quadruple bypass before the age of 50.
Who was Dick Cheney?
The Republican served as the vice president under George W Bush's tenure in the White House from 2001 to 2009. He also served as secretary of defense under George Bush Snr, between 1989 and 1993. Dick was a key figure involved in the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Prior to this role, Dick was Gerald Ford's White House chief of staff in the 1970s, before joining the House of Representatives for a decade.
Invasion of Iraq 2003
Dick was heavily involved in President George W Bush’s "war on terror"and claimed that Saddam Hussein’s regime held weapons of mass destruction. The former vice president also believed there were links between Iraq and al-Qaeda. "The fact is we know that Saddam Hussein and Iraq were heavily involved with terror," he said in 2006.
Dick Cheney's shock vote for Kamala Harris
However, the politician became a critic of the Republican Party under the leadership of President Donald Trump. Two months prior to the 2024 US presidential election, Dick shared that he would vote for the Democrats' Kamala Harris. He said there had "never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump". "He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him," said Dick at the time.
George W Bush tribute
Ex-US President George W Bush has released a tribute remembering his former vice president following the news of his death. "The death of Richard B. Cheney is a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends. Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation - a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held," he shared.
"As a young White House aide and chief of staff, a Congressman, a Secretary of Defense, and my Vice President, Dick earned the confidence and high opinion of five presidents. I asked him to join my ticket in 2000 after first enlisting him to help me find the best running mate. In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should have - deep experience, mature judgment, character, loyalty – I realized that Dick Cheney was the one I needed. I'm still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed. Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people."
He continued: "For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheney's service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Dick's love for America was second only to his family. Laura and I have shared our deepest sympathies with Vice President Cheney's wife Lynne and their daughters and granddaughters of whom he was so deeply proud. We are praying for Lynne, Liz, Mary, and the Cheney family as they honor a great man."
Shot his friend in 2006
Dick was also remembered for an infamous quail hunting trip that took place on a Texas ranch back in February 2006. The former vice-president accidentally fired shotgun pellets at his friend Harry Whittington while trying to target the birds. Harry was shot in the face, neck, and torso, and flown to hospital to be place in intensive care. "All I remember was the smell of burning powder," Harry told the Washington Post in 2010. "And then I passed out." "It’s not Harry's fault. Ultimately, I'm the guy that pulled the trigger and shot my friend," Dick told Fox News.