Former Utah Rep Mia Love dies at 49 after battle with brain cancer

On Sunday evening, after it was reported that her cancer was no longer responsive to treatment, Love's family posted on her X account, "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. She was in her home surrounded by family. In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward."

"We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences. We are taking some time as a family and will provide information about funeral services and a public celebration of her life in the days to come," the family added.

Love, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a daughter of Haitian immigrants, had been undergoing treatment for brain cancer. Earlier in March, however, her daughter said that Love was no longer responding to treatment. She leaves behind her husband and three children.

Members of Congress from Utah expressed their condolences online in light of her passing.

Senator Mike Lee posted on X, "This is truly heartbreaking. Mia Love was an outstanding public servant and a dear friend. Her passing leaves a deep, painful void."

GOP Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah posted to his X account, "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," Owens added.

Celeste Maloy (R-UT) posted, "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."

After being elected in 2014, Love served in office until 2019. Earlier this month, Love penned an op-ed in the Deseret News titled, "My living wish for the America I know," in contrast to what is commonly referred to by some as a "dying wish."

She detailed some of her life story, where she said that her parents had immigrated to the US with "$10 in their pocket and a belief that the America they had heard about really did exist as the land of opportunity."

"Through hard work and great sacrifice they achieved success — so the America I came to know growing up was filled with all the excitement found in living the American dream. I was taught to love this country, warts and all, and understand I had a role to play in our nation’s future. I learned to passionately believe in the possibilities and promise of America," she added in the article.

"Watching my father and mother work odd jobs in order to provide for us and maintain their independence taught me valuable lessons in personal responsibility. When tough times came they didn’t look to Washington, they looked within. Because the America they knew was centered in self-reliance, the America I know is founded in the freedom self-reliance always brings," she wrote.

Throughout the piece, Love described service, self-reliance, and traditional American values, adding that "the America I know will continue as long as each of us simply remember that this country is exceptional — because it is!"