Former GOP Sen. Jon Kyl announces dementia diagnosis, steps away from public life

Former Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl, 83, announced he is withdrawing from public life after being diagnosed with dementia following decades of service in Congress.

Former Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl announced on Tuesday he is withdrawing from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

After leaving the Senate, Kyl joined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling, before being appointed in 2018 by then-Gov. Doug Ducey to fill the vacancy caused by the death of former Sen. John McCain.

Kyl held the seat for several months in the Senate before rejoining the firm in 2019, where he helped guide the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

The longtime Arizona lawmaker described himself as "a very fortunate man" despite the diagnosis.

FORMER COLORADO SEN. BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL DEAD AT 92

Former Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., announced he is withdrawing from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said Kyl gave "decades of his life" serving Arizona, adding that he's grateful for the former GOP senator's "commitment to our state and country."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Michael Sinkewicz is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to michael.sinkewicz@fox.com

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-gop-sen-jon-kyl-announces-dementia-diagnosis-steps-public-life