Former Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger died Sunday evening at the age of 83. Granger, who also holds the distinction of being the first female mayor of Fort Worth, was residing in an independent living facility at the time of her passing, according to a spokesperson for her family.
The cause of her death is unknown. In 2025, her son, Brandon Granger, informed The Dallas Morning News that his mother had been experiencing dementia issues late in the previous year.
U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson confirmed Granger's death, stating, "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."
Johnson highlighted Granger's significant career achievements, noting 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.
Granger had been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since January 1997. In the years leading up to her retirement, both she and her family had publicly addressed health challenges that led to prolonged absences from Washington D.C. She officially retired in January 2025, with a statement released on her behalf acknowledging these health issues. The statement indicated that her health challenges had progressed, making frequent travel to Washington difficult and unpredictable, while commending her staff for their continued service.
"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," Johnson added.