Former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress in history, died Thursday at the age of 92.
He'd recently entered hospice care after being diagnosed with prostate cancer a year ago.
The Democrat from Michigan was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1955, winning a special election to replace his father, who'd died while in office.
Dingell went on to serve for 59 years and 22 days before retiring in 2015. During that time, he worked alongside 11 presidents and cast more than 28,000 votes.
Dingell played a key role in advancing notable pieces of legislation like The Clean Water Act, the Affordable Care Act and Medicare. But back in 2012, he said "the single most important vote" he ever placed while in Congress was his support for the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Dingell, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, was also one of the last two World War II veterans to have served in Congress.
When Dingell left office, his wife, Debbie, won the election to fill his seat and still remains in office.
He's survived by her, three children from his first marriage and three grandchildren.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
