What happened to the late Senator Dianne Feinstein?
DIANNE FEINSTEIN tragically passed away on September 29, 2023.
Nearly two months prior to her death, the former San Francisco mayor was rushed to the hospital after suffering injuries related to a fall.
Who was Dianne Feinstein?
Dianne Feinstein served as a United States senator in California since 1992, and worked in the role until her very last few days.
Feinstein's death was confirmed on September 29, 2023.
The politician was born on June 22, 1933, in San Francisco, California.
The California native played a role in the effort to preserve natural lands throughout the state.
She also worked to ensure that LGBTQ+ Americans received equal rights.
While she was serving as mayor of San Francisco, she married the late Richard Blum in 1980.
She leaves behind one daughter, Katherine.
What happened to Senator Dianne Feinstein?
On August 8, 2023, the senator was rushed to a San Francisco hospital after she sustained injuries from a fall.
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However, later that week, she was discharged and sent home to recover.
Her office announced: "Senator Feinstein briefly went to the hospital yesterday afternoon as a precaution after a minor fall in her home.
"All of her scans were clear and she returned home," the office stated.
The incident followed several health problems Feinstein experienced within the past year.
In February 2023, Feinstein was also hospitalized. At the time, she was diagnosed with shingles, which also resulted in encephalitis.
The shingles led to Feinstein being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Despite this, the six-time senator returned to work on May 18, 2023.
In a previous statement, she said she was expected "to make a full recovery."
"I’m back in Washington, voting, and attending committee meetings while I recover from complications related to a shingles diagnosis," Feinstein's reps said in a statement.
Upon her return, Chuck Schumer explained: "After talking with her multiple times over the past few weeks, it’s clear she’s back where she wants to be and ready to deliver for California."
But when she returned to the Capitol in mid-May, described her as "frailer than ever."
"The shingles spread to her face and neck, causing vision and balance impairments and facial paralysis known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome," The New York Times wrote.
When was Senator Dianne Feinstein first elected?
Feinstein's term in the Senate was slated to conclude in January 2025 prior to her passing.
The late politician was first elected to the role on November 3, 1992.
Since then, Feinstein was reelected five additional times in 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018.
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On February 14, 2023, Feinstein announced on X that she would not run for reelection in 2024.
Her listed her accomplishments throughout her political career, and what she intended to prioritize with her remaining time in office.