Mia Love, the first black Republican woman to serve in the U.S. Congress, has passed away at the age of 49, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of public service, courage, and unshakable faith. Her family confirmed the news late Sunday, announcing that Love died peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, after a prolonged battle with brain cancer.

“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,” Love’s family wrote in a statement shared on social media platform X.

A fierce advocate for conservative values, Love represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019. She was well-known for her intelligence, dedication, and commitment to upholding the ideals that built America. In recent months, she had been undergoing immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University’s Brain Tumor Center. Despite her valiant efforts, Love’s family shared that her cancer was no longer responding to treatment, and in the face of overwhelming challenges, Mia passed away surrounded by loved ones.

“Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward,” her family wrote, touching on her legacy as a steadfast believer in American exceptionalism, her faith, and her unwavering commitment to public service.

Her death has been met with an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Love as a “true friend” and a “trailblazer and visionary leader” who inspired countless Utahns. “Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream. Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state. We will miss her deeply,” Governor Cox said in a tribute posted on X.

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), who served alongside Love in Congress, expressed his heartbreak over her loss. “This is truly heartbreaking. Mia Love was an outstanding public servant and a dear friend. Her passing leaves a deep, painful void,” Lee shared, highlighting the personal connection he had with the late Congresswoman and the impact she made both in politics and in the lives of those who knew her.

Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Massachusetts and Utah Senator, also honored Love, praising her energy and resilience. “Heavy heart with the passing of my friend and colleague, Mia Love. Her energy, enthusiasm, and wit made her a stand-out member of Congress. Her faith and fortitude made her a model for me and for countless others. We will dearly miss you, Mia,” Romney posted, echoing the admiration so many had for her trailblazing leadership.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrant parents, Love grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the values that would guide her throughout her life. She and her family relocated to Connecticut when she was just five years old. After graduating from the University of Hartford, Love worked as a flight attendant before making a life-changing decision that would bring her to Utah.

In 1998, Love moved to Utah, where she converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and quickly became entrenched in the community. She met her future husband, Jason, shortly after her arrival, and the couple married just months later. Love’s path to politics began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council, and in 2010, she became the mayor of the small but growing city.

Her political career reached new heights in 2014 when she narrowly defeated Democrat Doug Owens for Utah’s 4th Congressional District seat. As a rising star in the Republican Party, Love did not shy away from her identity as a black Republican woman, acknowledging the significance of her victory in defying stereotypes and expectations.

Despite facing obstacles, Love’s political career continued to ascend. She was re-elected in 2016 and ran for a third term in 2018. However, in a close race, Love lost her seat by fewer than 700 votes to Democrat Ben McAdams. The loss was particularly striking, as it followed her high-profile distancing from then-presidential candidate Donald Trump after the release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape.

In the aftermath of her defeat, Love continued to contribute to political discourse as a CNN commentator and a fellow at the University of Sydney. Though her time in Congress was brief, Love’s impact was undeniable. Her voice was a unique one in the political landscape, and her presence will be sorely missed.

Love leaves behind her husband, Jason, and their three children, Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton. As her family mourns her loss, they have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers. They plan to hold a public celebration of her life in the coming days.

Mia Love’s death marks the end of a chapter in American politics, but her legacy as a fearless public servant, trailblazer for women and minorities in politics, and advocate for the American dream will endure. Her story will continue to inspire those who seek to challenge the status quo and strive to make a difference in the world.