Former Texas congresswoman and first female mayor of Fort Worth Kay Granger dies at 83 years old

By EMMA RICHTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 03:26, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 03:26, 3 August 2026 Former Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger has died at the age of 83, officials said on Sunday evening.  Granger, who was also the first female mayor of Fort Worth, was living in an independent living facility at the time of her death, a spokeswoman for her and her son told CBS News.  Her cause of death is unknown. In 2025, her son, Brandon Granger, told The Dallas Morning News his mother was 'having some dementia issues late in the year.'  US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also confirmed her death later Sunday evening.  '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. 'Throughout her career, 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.  '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 concluded.  Granger had served the U.S. House since January 1997, but in recent years, she and her family have addressed health issues and her prolonged absences from Washington D.C.  Former Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger has died at the age of 83, officials said on Sunday evening She retired in January 2025, with his office issuing a statement on her behalf.  'As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year.  'However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable. During this time, my incredible staff has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver exceptional constituent services, as they have for the past 27 years,' it read.  This is breaking news... updates to follow.