Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3, 2025, was a towering figure in American politics for decades. While the nation knew him for his formidable roles as Secretary of Defense and Vice President, his personal life was anchored by a remarkable, long-lasting marriage and a close-knit family. For 61 years, his partnership with his wife, Lynne, was a constant, and together they built a home that would itself become a significant part of the American political landscape.
The Cheney family was by his side at his home when he died at the age of 84, a testament to the deep bonds they shared. His legacy is carried on not just through his political achievements, but through his two daughters, Liz and Mary, and his seven grandchildren. The story of the Cheneys is one of enduring love, shared political ambition, and the navigating of both public scrutiny and private challenges.
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A Lifelong Partnership with Lynne Cheney
Dick Cheney’s story is inextricably linked with that of his wife, Lynne Vincent Cheney. Their romance began not in the halls of power in Washington, D.C., but back in their hometown of Casper, Wyoming, where they met in high school. He was the senior class president and co-captain of the football team, and she was the homecoming queen, a classic American beginning for a partnership that would last a lifetime. The high school sweethearts married in 1964 and remained together until his death, a union that spanned 61 years.
Lynne was far more than just a political spouse; she built an impressive career of her own as an author, scholar, and conservative commentator. She holds a Ph.D. in 19th-century British literature and served as the chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 to 1993. A prolific writer, she has authored numerous books, including both historical works and children’s literature. She is also a founder of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, an organization focused on higher education reform.
Throughout Cheney’s vice presidency from 2001 to 2009, Lynne served as the Second Lady of the United States, where she was known for her advocacy against explicit language in music and, notably, her opposition to a constitutional amendment banning same-s-x marriage.
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The Next Generation: Daughters and Grandkids
Lynne and Dick Cheney raised two daughters, Elizabeth (Liz) and Mary, who have both led impactful and very public lives. The former vice president is survived by both his daughters and seven grandchildren, who were a central part of his life.
Liz Cheney, born on July 28, 1966, followed most directly in her father’s political footsteps. She served as the U.S. Representative for Wyoming from 2017 to 2023 and held a leadership position within the House Republican Conference. Her political career took a defining turn when she became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and served as vice chair of the House select committee investigating the January 6th attack on the Capitol. She is married to attorney Philip Perry, and together they have five kids: daughters Kate, Elizabeth, and Grace, and sons Philip and Richard.
Mary Cheney, born March 14, 1969, carved out a different but equally significant path. She has been a top campaign aide for her father and has worked in the corporate world for companies like AOL. Mary, who is gay, has been a prominent figure in the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights and same-s-x marriage, and she is credited with influencing her father’s public support for the issue after he left office.
Mary has been with her wife, Heather Poe, since 1992, and they married in 2012. The couple has two children; their son, Samuel, was born in 2007, and their daughter, Sarah, was born in 2009. Their family life was not without public friction, as Mary and her sister Liz had a notable disagreement in 2013 over Liz’s then-opposition to same-s-x marriage, though they have since reconciled.
In the final chapter of his life, surrounded by the loved ones, Dick Cheney’s legacy was reflected not only in his long career of public service but in the lives of his wife, kids, and grandchildren—a family that continues to shape and be shaped by the American story.
