Second House lawmaker announces death of daughter from cancer

Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern on Thursday announced the unexpected death of his adult daughter, Molly, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, marking the second lawmaker to lose a daughter to cancer this month.

The announcement comes after Arizona GOP Rep. Andy Biggs revealed that his daughter Cosette died of cancer last week.

The Democrat did not state what form of cancer his daughter had, but said it came after Molly McGovern had completed a semester abroad in Australia. She was 23 years old at the time of her death.

“Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity — refusing to let her illness slow her down," McGovern said in a statement with his family. "She had just finished a semester abroad in Australia. She passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family."

The lawmaker, who is the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, described his daughter as someone who "radiated pure joy," and was a fan of the Boston Bruins hockey team.

"She lit up every room with her beaming smile—full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant," he said in the family statement. "She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special. She treated people with compassion and kindness—always standing up for the underdog, and making fast friends wherever she went."

Molly McGovern is survived by her father, her mother Lisa McGovern, and brother Patrick McGovern.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.