Former Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced Tuesday that he will retire from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.

Kyl, 83, became one of them arizona’s most prominent republican His career spanned nearly three decades in both chambers of Congress, including serving as Senate Minority Whip.

“I have been fortunate to represent the people of Arizona in Congress and have had many other opportunities to contribute to the political and civic life of our nation and state,” Kyle said in a statement. “However, the time has come for me to retire from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease that manifests as dementia.”

Kyle represented Arizona’s 4th Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995, and later served in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2013.

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Former Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced Tuesday that he will retire from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (AP Photo/Clive Owen)

After leaving the Senate, Kyle joined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling and was appointed by then-Gov. Doug Ducey fills the vacancy created by the death of former Sen. John McCain.

Kyl held the Senate seat for several months before rejoining the company in 2019, where he helped guide the Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

for a long time arizona state congressman Despite his diagnosis, he described himself as “a very lucky man.”

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Former Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl (left) and former Arizona Republican Governor and Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt (right) wave to the crowd during Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s State of the State address on Monday, January 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

“My family and I are now on a path filled with joyful moments increasing difficulties,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough for their love and support in the days ahead, and every day of my life. “

Kyl moved to Arizona when he was 18 to attend the University of Arizona, where he met his wife.

The university said Kyle’s more than two decades of public service had a lasting impact on water policy, national defense and intelligence.

“His leadership, integrity and commitment to service reflect the highest ideals of public life,” the university said in a statement.

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Former Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., has announced his retirement from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (Andrew Haller/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

senator. Mark KellyThe Arizona Democrat said Kyl had dedicated “decades of his life” to Arizona, adding that he was grateful for the former Republican senator’s “commitment to our state and our country.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.