Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) announced with a heavy heart this week that his oldest daughter, Christine Burgess, tragically died over the weekend.
“It’s with heavy hearts we regret to share that congressman Burgess’ eldest daughter, Christine Burgess passed away in her sleep this past weekend,” a post from the representative’s X account read.
“Congressman Burgess appreciates all of the thoughts & prayers & respectfully requests privacy for his family at this difficult time.”
It’s with heavy hearts we regret to share that Congressman Burgess’ eldest daughter, Christine Burgess passed away in her sleep this past weekend. Congressman Burgess appreciates all of the thoughts & prayers & respectfully requests privacy for his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/RTNsJH6Oto
— Michael Burgess, MD (@michaelcburgess) December 9, 2024
According to the Washington Examiner, her cause of death and her age were not made public.
Burgess, 73, is set to retire at the end of this congressional term.
On Friday, his wife, Laura, was in Washington, D.C., alongside her husband to unveil his portrait in the U.S. Capitol.
The couple is approaching their 50th wedding anniversary.
By the time of his retirement, Burgess is the most senior medical doctor in the House of Representatives.
He is the chairman of the House Rules Committee, which has yet to name a replacement.
Burgess served eleven terms and opted to retire rather than run for reelection.
His district, which includes Cooke County, the majority of Denton County, and parts of Tarrant and Wise counties in Texas, will next be represented by the Republican Brandon Gill.
Christine is survived by her parents, her sister Jessica, and brother Mike.