Remembrances for Mia Love poured in Sunday after news broke that she died at the age of 49 following a battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.
A former Utah congresswoman, Love was the first Black Republican woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. She leaves behind a husband and three children.
Love’s family announced her death on social media: “With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully today.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox paid tribute to Love in a post on Sunday.
“Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love. A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream. Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply,” Cox said.
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson remembered her friend in a post on Sunday.
“Mia Love was a fearless leader, a history-maker, and a woman of deep conviction. Utah — and our nation — are better because of her courageous work and unwavering belief in the American Dream. My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend. Gabe and I send our prayers and love to her devoted family that she so cherished,” she said.
In another post on her personal account, Henderson wrote, “‘So powerful and real are the memories of true friends, so great and tender is the longing for them, that even in death they are a blessing and live in us.’ — Cicero. These are comforting words, but today, I just ache. I love you, Mia,” she wrote.
Rep. Burgess Owens
Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, who represents Utah’s 4th Congressional District, which includes much of the district formerly represented by Love, wrote in a post Sunday, “I’m heartbroken to hear of Mia’s passing. She was a trailblazer, a faithful servant, bright light in so many lives, and a dear friend. Our Utah communities mourn with the Love family, and we pray that they find peace in Heavenly Father’s love and comfort, and in the love Mia brought to all.
“Mia served Utah’s 4th District with distinction, bringing passion, energy, and unwavering dedication to everything she did. It is a profound honor to follow in her footsteps and build upon the foundation she laid. Today, while we grieve her loss, we also celebrate her tireless commitment to public service, her historic contributions, and the countless lives she touched through her work.”
Sen. Mike Lee
Sen. Mike Lee posted a statement Sunday: “Please join me in praying for the Love family and remembering Mia Love as a friend, trailblazer, congresswoman, wife, mother, and patriot. May she rest in peace, and may the great things she worked for in this life inspire the people of Utah — and all Americans — to better serve each other, our families, and our country,” he said.
In a separate post, Lee wrote, “This is truly heartbreaking. Mia Love was an outstanding public servant and a dear friend. Her passing leaves a deep, painful void.”
Sen. John Curtis
Sen. John Curtis sent his condolences to Love’s family in a social media post from his personal account on Monday.
“I am grateful for the time I had with Mia, for the work we did together, and for the example she has set for so many. My thoughts are with Mia’s family, and all of those who loved her,” he said.
Rep. Celeste Maloy
Rep. Celeste Maloy, who represents Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, paid tribute to Love on Sunday.
“Mia Love helped blaze the trail that I now walk. She served with grace and inspired many with her conviction that the American dream is alive and well. Our state and our country are better because of her. My deepest condolences to the Love family,” she wrote.
Rep. Mike Kennedy
Rep. Mike Kennedy, who represents Utah’s 3rd District, and was elected to the House in November, wrote, “Katrina and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Love family. Mia was a steadfast believer in the promise of America. I vividly remember her sharing how her parents came to our country with just $10 and a belief in the American dream — a dream she brought to life through her deep love for family, her dedicated public service, and her unwavering commitment to Utah and our nation.”
Rep. Blake Moore
Rep. Blake Moore, who represents Utah’s 1st Congressional District, called Love “the best that Utah has to offer.”
“I join the chorus of others recognizing the extraordinary life of the Honorable Mia Love. She is the best that Utah has to offer, and I continue to wish her family peace and comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
Mitt Romney
Former Utah Sen. Mitt Romney remembered Love in a post on Sunday.
“Heavy heart with the passing of my friend and colleague, Mia Love. Her energy, enthusiasm and wit made her a stand-out member of Congress. Her faith and fortitude made her a model for me and for countless others. We will dearly miss you, Mia,” he said.
Utah AG Derek Brown
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said Sunday, “Today is a heartbreaking day for our state. Mia Love, a dear friend and compassionate leader, has passed away.
“Mia’s courage, grace, and wisdom were an example not only to people across the state, but people across the country. I have many fond memories of Mia — so many of those memories were seeing her tenderly serve people. She also had a beautiful singing voice and I considered it an honor to accompany her. My wife Emilie and I mourn her passing and our prayers are with the Love family.”
Speaker Mike Johnson
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson remembered Love in a post Monday.
“Members of Congress are mourning the passing of @MiaBLove, who was a trusted friend and colleague, an extraordinary person, and an exceptional leader. She will always be remembered for her warm smile and wit, and her historic contributions. God bless her family and her legacy. Our prayers are with you all,” he said.
Reaction from friends in Utah, Congress and beyond
Former Gov. Gary Herbert wrote, “Jeanette and I extend our heartfelt love and condolences to the family of (Congresswoman) Mia Love. Working with her over the years as Mayor, Congresswoman, a concerned citizen, and watching her contribute to the debate on CNN has been inspiring to me and many others. She will be missed.”
Former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan wrote: “Mia Love’s journey, growing up as the child of Haitian immigrants to serving in Congress, was one of a kind. @MiaBLove was committed to bettering the world around her & blazed an amazing trail for others to follow. Mia was a great friend & colleague. She will truly be missed.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence said: “Mia Love served Utah and America with courage and grace. Her life made a difference for the Nation and she will be deeply missed. @KarenPence and I are praying for her family, friends and all who admired this good and godly woman. God Bless Mia Love.”
Former Ambassador Jeff Flake said: “What a tragic loss for Mia’s family, the state of Utah and the country. Such a legacy of service she leaves behind.”
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., wrote: “Rest peacefully Mia. Keeping the Love family in our prayers.”
Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., wrote, “Mia was such an amazingly beautiful person inside and out. Loyal, smart, fearless, and passionate about every aspect of life, Mia was a gift to the rest of us. My family is devastated to lose our dearest friend, but so grateful for every memory our families have made together.”
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, trailblazer, and former Congresswoman, Mia Love. Mia’s legacy is one of faithful service and dedication to our nation and those she loved. May the Lord draw near and comfort her family and friends in the days ahead.”
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger said, “This one hits home. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with @MiaBLove. She was a brilliant, compassionate, and passionate colleague and everything I believed the GOP and America to be. The daughter of immigrants, she rose to unbelievable heights. Only in America. Rest in peace.”
Utah state Senate President Stuart Adams, said: “I’m deeply saddened by Congresswoman Mia Love’s passing. She exemplified resilience, determination and strength, and her legacy will continue to inspire. My heartfelt prayers are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
This story will be updated.