Mitch McConnell Released from Rehab Center After Senator's Mysterious Hospitalization Sparked Death Rumors
Mitch McConnell has been released from a rehab center.
Aug. 6 2026, Published 3:43 p.m. ET
Mitch McConnell has been released from a rehab center less than two months after suffering a terrible fall at his Washington, D.C. home, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The 84-year-old Kentucky lawmaker said he plans to continue his recovery from home, but didn't give a timetable for when he plans to return to the Senate.
Mitch McConnell Hospitalized Under Mysterious Circumstances
Mitch McConnell was left unconscious after a fall at his home on June 14.
“Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff,” McConnell said in an August 6 statement, referring to his wife, Elaine Chao.
The seven-term lawmaker's June 14 hospitalization was shrouded in mystery, as his office initially refused to disclose why he was hospitalized or what his current condition was.
Instead, they released a vague, one-sentence statement reading, "Senator McConnell was admitted to the hospital this morning and is receiving excellent care."
'Proof of Life' Demands After Controversy Surrounding Mitch McConnell's Hospitalization
Some lawmakers asked for 'proof of life' that Mitch McConnell was still alive.
With McConnell's team failing to provide updates, reports began to swirl that the fall had rendered him brain dead.
"A very high-level source told me Mitch McConnell is officially brain dead, and machines are keeping him alive, but he is a vegetable and 'never coming back,'" MAGA reporter Laura Loomer claimed on July 6 via X.
Questions also swirled as to why Chao, who served as former George W. Bush Transportation Secretary, traveled to China after her husband's hospitalization and wasn't by his side.
While Senate Majority Leader John Thune claimed he spoke with McConnell after his medical emergency, stating, "He sounded good. He wants to be back, others, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, called for some type of "proof of life" photo or video after McConnell's office continued to stonewall updates on his condition.
Mitch McConnell Worked to 'Regain Strength' After Fall and Mild Pneumonia
Mitch McConnell's office released the first photo of the Senator following his fall on July 12.
McConnell finally released a photo from his bed alongside Chao on July 12, claiming he went "briefly unconscious" after the fall at his home.
"My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages. But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital. While receiving excellent care over the past several weeks, I’ve also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia," he shared in a statement that day, adding he was now "regaining my strength."
Although at the time doctors still hadn't cleared McConnell to return to the Senate floor, he vowed, "But rest assured that, in the meantime, I’m not taking a break from the Senate business that matters to you."
He added, "I’ve also been keeping in touch with my Senate colleagues on the appropriations process, midterm politics, and everything in between."
Mitch McConnell Not Seeking Eighth Term in Senate
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Mitch McConnell will be retiring from Congress in January 2027.
McConnell has suffered several serious falls in recent years, in addition to instances of having on-camera "brain freezes" that some feared were mini-strokes. The myriad of concerns led to calls for the Republican stalwart to finally step down from politics.
His failing health prompted the longtime lawmaker to announce that he will resign from Congress in January 2027 and will not seek an eighth term in the U.S. Senate.
