Longtime Congressman's Daughter, 23, Dies 'Unexpectedly' on Italy Trip Following Rare Cancer Diagnosis

Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern has announced the sudden death of his daughter, Molly, at age 23.

The Democratic congressman — along with his wife, Lisa, and their son, Patrick — released a statement through his office on Thursday, April 24, sharing that Molly died “unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family.”

“Molly radiated pure joy. She lit up every room with her beaming smile — full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant. She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years,” the statement read.

“Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special," the statement continued. "She treated people with compassion and kindness — always standing up for the underdog, and making fast friends wherever she went.”

Born and raised in Massachusetts, where her father has served in Congress since 1997, Molly was a student at Northeastern University in Boston, studying political science and government, with a focus on international affairs, per her LinkedIn profile.

Following in her father’s political footsteps, Molly had previously volunteered for Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin.

However, Molly had other passions as well. Her family wrote that she had just completed a study abroad semester in Australia, and her LinkedIn lists a role as “Sports Museum Ambassador” at Boston’s TD Garden — home of her favorite NHL team.

“Her love for the Boston Bruins was fierce, but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light with you. She had that kind of effect on people,” the family’s statement said. “Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity — refusing to let her illness slow her down.”

They concluded, “Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already.”

Several of McGovern’s colleagues issued statements offering their condolences following the news — including Molly’s former boss, Rep. Raskin, whose own son, Tommy, died at age 25 in December 2020.

“The world is a poorer place today than it was yesterday as we wake up to the hard reality of life without Molly McGovern,” Raskin wrote in a statement. “Everyone in our family adored Molly and we were all inspired by her love for animals, her passion for sports, and her ebullient compassion and care for friends, family, and strangers. We embrace the McGoverns and hold them tight during this hard, hard time.”

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North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx, the Republican chair of the House Rules Committee — on which McGovern is a ranking member — wrote, “The loss of a child, no matter the age, is one of the greatest heartbreaks imaginable. Ranking Member McGovern and his entire family remain in my thoughts and prayers. In this difficult time of loss, may they find continued comfort, peace, and strength from their faith and from those around them.”

Steve Kerrigan, chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, said, “The world lost a bright light today. Molly McGovern was a sweet, loving, smart, funny and caring person. She was a gift to all who knew her."

"She fought hard against a rare form of cancer," Kerrigan added, "but never lost her joy, sense of adventure or optimism."