Former Beloved Senator Diagnosed With Cancer, ‘Am Going To Die’
A beloved former senator took to social media with a shocking health update. He revealed that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and that he’s going to die. But he’s not going without a fight. Keep reading for more details on the heartbreaking news.
Former Nebraska Senator Diagnosed With Cancer, Says He’s Going To Die
Cancer doesn’t care if you’re one of the most popular singers in the world, rich, poor, or a former Senator. While the treatment for cancer has made a lot of progress, some types of cancer still have high mortality rates. Former Republican Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, 53, shared on social media that he was recently diagnosed with a cancer that is highly fatal and he only has a short time left before he dies.
“This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die. Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence,” the beloved former Senator wrote in a shocking social media post.
His post continued, “Death is a wicked thief, and the b*****d pursues us all. Still, I’ve got less time than I’d prefer. This is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad. I can’t begin to describe how great my people are. During the past year, as we’d temporarily stepped back from public life and built new family rhythms, Melissa and I have grown even closer — and that on top of three decades of the best friend a man could ever have.”
The former Senator represented Nebraska from 2015 until 2023. After leaving Congress, he briefly served as president of the University of Florida. However, he left the role last year after his wife, Melissa, was diagnosed with epilepsy. The couple has three children, including a teenage son.
Vows To Keep Fighting Despite ‘Death Sentence’
Ben Sasse is deeply Christian. He wrote on social media that the Christmas holiday isn’t the best time to tell people that he’s dying. However, he found it somewhat fitting. “There’s not a good time to tell your peeps you’re now marching to the beat of a faster drummer — but the season of Advent isn’t the worst. As a Christian, the weeks running up to Christmas are a time to orient our hearts toward the hope of what’s to come,” he wrote.
The beloved Senator continued, “Remembering Isaiah’s prophecies of what’s to come doesn’t dull the pain of current sufferings. But it does put it in eternity’s perspective: “When we’ve been there 10,000 years…We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise.” I’ll have more to say. I’m not going down without a fight.”
Ben Sasse ended his heartbreaking post with a Bible quote: “But for now, as our family faces the reality of treatments, but more importantly as we celebrate Christmas, we wish you peace: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned….For to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9).”
Constituents & Critics Show Support
Former Senator Ben Sasse’s revelation that he’s dying sent shockwaves through both his supporters and critics. Texas Senator Ted Cruz wrote a living tribute to his friend and former colleague.
“Ben is a friend and former colleague. We campaigned together in Nebraska, and we sat side-by-side on the Judiciary Committee (where he accidentally dumped Dr. Pepper in my lap!) He’s brilliant, principled and deeply caring. Ben, Heidi and I are lifting up you and Melissa and your children in prayer. May God’s Peace and Love and Comfort and Grace be upon you all,” – Ted Cruz, Twitter.
Friends-
This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die.
Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence.…
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) December 23, 2025
Ben Sasse lost a lot of supporters in 2021 when he voted to impeach President Trump during his second impeachment. However, the former Senators critics put aside their political differences to show their support amid the cancer diagnosis.
- “I’m so sorry to hear that. You’re extremely brave and optimistic and I pray to God that you stay alive. Your bravery makes us all better people.”
- “We have had our differences, but I will certainly pray for you, Ben”
- “Ben. That you would put such thought and effort into encouraging us while you’re facing this….that’s remarkable”
- “Awful to see this. You’ve been a leader with real character and mental clarity, there are so few of those these days. I don’t know why it seems only the good die young.”
The beloved former Senator didn’t share how long the doctors said he has left, but he’s going to keep fighting as long as he can. Our hearts go out to the Senator, his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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