Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) announced the passing of his eldest daughter. “It is with heavy hearts we regret to share that Congressman Burgess’ eldest daughter, Christine Burgess passed away in her sleep this past weekend. Congressman Burgess appreciates all of the thoughts and prayers and respectfully requests privacy for his family at this difficult time,” his office announced Monday. It’s with heavy hearts we regret to share that Congressman Burgess’ eldest daughter, Christine Burgess passed away in her sleep this past weekend. Congressman Burgess appreciates all of the thoughts & prayers & respectfully requests privacy for his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/RTNsJH6Oto — Michael Burgess, MD (@michaelcburgess) December 9, 2024 Her cause of death and age were not made public. Daily Mail reports: Burgess, 73, has represented the north Dallas area in the House since 2003. He did not run for re-election and will be leaving Congress after serving for 22 years later this month. Before serving in Congress the Republican practiced as a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology. Speaker Mike Johnson offered his condolences on social media Monday morning. “It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news about the passing of Congressman Burgess’ beloved daughter, Christine,” Johnson said. “Our hearts and our prayers go out to our dear friend and colleague and his family at this very difficult time,” he added. It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news about the passing of Congressman Burgess’ beloved daughter, Christine. Our hearts and our prayers go out to our dear friend and colleague and his family at this very difficult time. https://t.co/XHBbReks5W — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 9, 2024 Other members of Congress shared their condolences on social media after the tragic news. Please join me in praying for @michaelcburgess and his family as they grieve the devastating loss of his daughter, Christine. No parent should have to endure such heartbreak. https://t.co/DN9MMhI5iI — Congressman Nick Langworthy (@RepLangworthy) December 9, 2024 Sending my deepest condolences to my friend Congressman Burgess on the passing of his daughter, Christine. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time. https://t.co/ks0OdxBZVq — Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) December 9, 2024 Jill and I are saddened to learn of the passing of @michaelcburgess’s daughter, Christine. Please join us in praying for the entire Burgess family during this incredibly difficult time. https://t.co/8XOTozduE9 — Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) December 9, 2024 From the Washington Examiner: Burgess, 73, is slated to retire at the end of this congressional term. On Friday, his wife, Laura, was in Washington, D.C., alongside her husband to unveil his portrait in the U.S. Capitol. They are approaching their 50th wedding anniversary. By the time of his retirement, Burgess is the most senior medical doctor in the House of Representatives. He is the chairman of the House Rules Committee, which has yet to name a replacement. Burgess served eleven terms and opted to retire rather than run for reelection. His district, which includes Cooke County, the majority of Denton County, and parts of Tarrant and Wise counties in Texas, will next be represented by the Republican Brandon Gill. Christine is survived by her parents, her sister Jessica, and brother Mike.