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Former Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced Tuesday he is retiring from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.
Keel, 83, became one of Arizona's Most Famous Republicans during a career that spanned nearly three decades in both houses of Congress, including serving as Senate Minority Whip.
“I am fortunate to represent the people of Arizona in Congress and have many other opportunities to contribute to the political and civic life of our nation and state,” Keel said in a statement. “However, the time has come for me to retire from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifested as dementia.”
Keel represented Arizona's 4th Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995 and later served in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2013.
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Former Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced Tuesday he is retiring from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
After leaving the Senate, Kyl joined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling and was appointed in 2018 by then-Gov. Doug Ducey will fill the vacancy left by the death of former Sen. John McCain.
Keele held the Senate post for several months before returning to the firm in 2019, where he helped lead the confirmation process Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
old Arizona legislator called himself a “very lucky person” despite the diagnosis.
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Former Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl (left) and Bruce Babbitt (right), former Arizona Republican governor and Interior secretary, wave to the crowd as they are recognized during Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's State of the State address Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
“Now my family and I are walking down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties“,” he said. “I am beyond grateful for their love and support in these coming days, as in all the days of my life.”
Keel moved to Arizona as an 18-year-old freshman to attend the University of Arizona, where he met his wife.
The university said Keele has dedicated more than two decades of public service, making a lasting impact on water policy, national defense and intelligence.
“His leadership, integrity and dedication to service reflect the highest ideals of public life,” the university said in a statement.
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Former Sen. Jon Kyl, Republican of Arizona, announced he was retiring from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Sep. Mark KellyR-Ariz., said Kyl has given “decades of his life” serving Arizona, adding that he is grateful for the former GOP senator's “commitment to our state and country.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
