Arizona Statesman Jon Kyl Withdraws from Public Life Amid Dementia Battle

PHOENIX, AZ – December 30, 2025 – Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, a conservative stalwart and one of the most influential figures in modern Arizona political history, announced Tuesday that he is withdrawing from public life after being diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia.

The announcement came via a deeply personal statement, marking a poignant end to a public service career that spanned nearly three decades in the U.S. Congress. "The time has come for me to withdraw from public life," Kyl, 83, stated. "I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia."

In his message, Kyl expressed profound gratitude for his life in Arizona, a state he adopted after arriving as a freshman at the University of Arizona. He paid tribute to his wife, Caryll, whom he met at the university and who supported him through law school. "My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties," he wrote. "I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support."

A Distinguished Career of Service

Jon Kyl’s political career was defined by a mastery of policy detail, a steadfast conservative ideology, and a reputation as a legislative workhorse. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986, he served four terms before winning a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1994. He served in the Senate until 2013, briefly returning in 2018 to fill the seat of his late colleague, Senator John McCain.

His tenure was marked by a steady ascent into the Republican leadership. From 2007 until his retirement, Kyl served as the Senate Minority Whip, the second-highest-ranking Republican position. He was the first Arizonan to hold such a powerful Senate leadership post since the 1950s, giving the state an outsized voice on the national stage.

Recognized for his intellect and diligence, Time magazine named him one of "America's Ten Best Senators" in 2006, and he was included in the magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010. His influence was felt across a wide spectrum of policy, from national security and judicial nominations to tax policy and immigration. As a key member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he played a central role in the confirmation processes for multiple Supreme Court justices, including serving as the official guide, or "sherpa," for Justice Brett Kavanaugh's nomination in 2018.

A Legacy Chiseled in Water and Law

While his work on national security and judicial affairs had a broad impact, Kyl’s most enduring legacy for his home state is arguably his unparalleled expertise in water law. In an arid state where water is the lifeblood of the economy and communities, Kyl became the go-to expert in Congress for the complex negotiations that governed the Colorado River and other vital resources.

He was instrumental in brokering historic and complicated Indian water rights settlements, which resolved decades-old legal disputes and provided a stable foundation for Arizona's water management. His deep understanding of the law, honed as editor-in-chief of the Arizona Law Review at the University of Arizona, allowed him to navigate the intricate details of these agreements. In recognition of his monumental contributions, Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy established the Kyl Center for Water Policy, ensuring his work continues to inform the state's future.

Experts in the field recognize Kyl's role as indispensable in shaping the legal and physical infrastructure that Arizona relies on today, celebrating his ability to forge consensus on an issue often fraught with conflict.

A Courageous Disclosure in the Public Eye

Kyl's candid announcement places him among a growing list of prominent public figures who have chosen to share their diagnoses with neurological conditions, a decision that often helps demystify the diseases and reduce their stigma. His statement immediately drew comparisons to other well-known individuals who have faced similar battles in the public eye.

Recently, the families of action star Bruce Willis and talk show host Wendy Williams have been open about their diagnoses of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), raising awareness about a less common form of the disease. Years earlier, the final tour of country music legend Glen Campbell, documented in the film "I'll Be Me," provided an unflinching and humanizing look at the progression of Alzheimer's. This trend of transparency helps shift the public conversation from one of shame and secrecy to one of empathy, support, and a demand for better treatments and care.

By stepping forward, Kyl contributes to this important societal shift, demonstrating that a dementia diagnosis does not erase a lifetime of achievement and service. His decision to share his journey, even as he steps back from the spotlight, serves as a powerful testament to his character.

Echoes of Reagan and a Nation's Conversation

In his statement, Kyl directly invoked the words of another major political figure who faced a similar fate: President Ronald Reagan. "In a letter to the American people in similar circumstances, Ronald Reagan wrote that he was headed into 'the sunset of my life,'" Kyl noted. "Yet, he expressed confidence that, for America, there would 'always be a bright dawn ahead.' I share Reagan's confidence about the future."

Reagan's 1994 letter announcing his Alzheimer's diagnosis is widely seen as a watershed moment. It transformed the public's understanding of the disease, sparking a national conversation and galvanizing advocacy efforts. His wife, Nancy Reagan, became a formidable champion for Alzheimer's research, helping to secure increased federal funding.

Kyl’s announcement, coming decades later, enters a world more familiar with the vocabulary of dementia but still grappling with its impact. Such disclosures from respected leaders inevitably prompt reflection on health, aging, and the rigors of public service. They underscore the universal nature of these health challenges and highlight the importance of robust support systems for both patients and their caregivers.

Though he is now withdrawing from public life, Kyl's final public message was one of hope and faith. "Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man," he concluded. "I am also comforted by knowing that my Redeemer lives. We will not be walking this path alone."