Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Dead At 88

Donald Rumsfeld, former secretary of defense for Presidents Gerald Ford and George W. Bush, has passed away. Rumsfeld was 88.

A statement released by his family via Twitter reads as follows:

"It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Donald Rumsfeld, an American statesman and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. At 88, he was surrounded by family in his beloved Taos, New Mexico.

"History may remember him for his extraordinary accomplishments over six decades of public service, but for those who knew him best and whose lives were forever changed as a result, we will remember his unwavering love for his wife Joyce, his family and friends, and the integrity he brought to a life dedicated to country."

Keith Urban, a spokesman for the family, cited myeloma as the cause of death. Rumsfeld would have turned 89 on July 9.

Operating as the U.S. defense secretary between 2001-2006, Rumsfeld is notably remembered for his involvement with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan during the George W. Bush administration.

He was also mentored by former United States Vice President Dick Cheney and was recently portrayed by actor Steve Carrell in the 2018 biographical film about the VP, Vice.