We’re so sorry to hear this. On Friday, Aug. 24, John McCain, 81, revealed in a statement that he has chosen to discontinue medical treatment amid his brain cancer battle. “Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious,” the message from the McCain family began. 

“In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment,” the statement continued. “Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of conern and affection from John’s many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers. God bless and thank you all.”

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John’s daughter Meghan McCain, 33, later posted her family’s official statement on her Instagram page with the following caption: “My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year. Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without you — you’ve given us strength to carry on.”

The Senator was last hospitalized in mid-April and, after John returned home a few days later, Meghan’s husband, Ben Domenech, revealed he’d had an emotional coversation with his father-in-law about his deteriorating health. “John hugged me tonight. He asked me to take care of Meghan. I said I would,” Ben allegedly wrote in a since-deleted tweet on Saturday, April 28, according to AZ Central.

At the time of John’s April hospitalization, his spokesperson shared an update on the politician’s health in an official statement. “On Sunday, [April 15], Senator McCain was admitted to Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ, and underwent surgery to treat an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis,” the message began.

“Over the last few months, Senator McCain has been participating in physical therapy at his home in Cornville, AZ, as he recovers from the side effects of cancer treatment. He has remained engaged on his work as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and has enjoyed frequent visits from his family, friends, staff, and Senate colleagues. Senator McCain and his family are grateful to the senator’s excellent care team and appreciate the support and prayers they continue to receive from people all over the country,” the statement concluded, according to Us Weekly.

Meghan also took to Twitter in April to confirm her beloved father was “stable” following his operation. “My father @SenJohnMcCain is in stable condition — he continues to inspire me everyday with his intense grit and determination. Thank you to the doctors at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and to everyone who is praying for him,” The View star wrote at the time. 

John’s wife of 38 years, Cindy McCain, additionally commented on her husband’s condition via Twitter. “My husband @SenJohnMcCain is doing well after his surgery. Looking forward to getting back to Hidden Valley!” she wrote. A few days later, Cindy, 64, returned to social media to write, “@SenJohnMcCain and I are home in our beloved Hidden Valley. Enjoying a glorious Arizona sunset.”

John was also previously hospitalized back in December 2017 while undergoing treatment for his brain cancer. “Senator McCain is currently receiving treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center for normal side effects of his ongoing cancer therapy. As ever, he remains grateful to his physicians for their excellent care, and his friends and supporters for their encouragement and good wishes. Senator McCain looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible,” his office said in a statement last year.

Just a few months prior, the McCain family revealed that John had been diagnosed with brain cancer. He subsequently underwent surgery to remove an aggressive, primary glioblastoma tumor. During a fall 2017 interview with CBS’ 20/20, the politician opened up about his diagonisis. “They said that the prognosis is very, very serious. Some say three percent, some say 14 percent. You know, it’s — it’s a very poor prognosis. So I just said, ‘I understand. Now we’re going to do what we can, get the best doctors we can find and do the best we can.’ And at the same time celebrate with gratitude a life well lived,” John said.

At the time of his diagnosis, the Arizona Republican’s office and the Mayo Clinic released a joint statement revealing that John underwent surgery to have a blood clot associated with the tumor removed. “On Friday, July 14, Sen. John McCain underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix,” the statement read.

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“Subsequent tissue pathology revealed that a primary brain tumor known as a glioblastoma was associated with the blood clot. Scanning done since the procedure (a minimally invasive craniotomy with an eyebrow incision) shows that the tissue of concern was completely resected by imaging criteria. The Senator and his family are reviewing further treatment options with his Mayo Clinic care team. Treatment options may include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation,” the message explained. Our thoughts remain with John and his family during his brain cancer battle.