Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, announced the decommissioning of his long-serving vacuum cleaner, Beth, after nearly five decades of use. The 92-year-old senator shared the news on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, posting a photo of the 1970s-era Hoover vacuum with visible black marks from an electrical spark.
"U willl see Beth no more," Grassley wrote in his post. "See black that’s from electrical sparks. It’s not safe to use anymore. GOOD BYE BETH .U hv [sic] been a real workhorse. Ur namesake still is hard worker. I will miss u."
Grassley stated that Beth had been a dependable appliance in his household for 34 years, and prior to that, for his mother-in-law for 15 years. The vacuum cleaner had gained a following online, with Grassley occasionally posting images of himself and Beth, particularly during holidays.
In a November 2023 post, Grassley shared a photo of himself vacuuming with Beth, describing the appliance as "OLD FAITHFUL" and expressing gratitude for its reliability in preparing for a family Thanksgiving. The vacuum even made appearances in political circles, with Grassley posting an image in 2023 of himself and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., holding a cardboard cutout of Beth.
According to Consumer Reports, the typical lifespan of a vacuum cleaner is at least eight years. Grassley has not indicated whether he plans to replace Beth or what brand he might consider. His representative, Clare Slattery, humorously requested privacy for "Team Grassley's privacy during this difficult time."