(Newsweek) - Dick Cheney, the vice president under George W. Bush, has died at the age of 84, according to a statement from his family.
“For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States," the family statement said. He died to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family said.
This is what we know about Cheney’s net worth, and who could inherit his fortune.
The Context
Cheney was a highly influential and polarizing figure in the post-9/11 "War on Terror" and the American invasion of Iraq. He was a powerful Republican figure for decades and held several high-profile roles in office.
Cheney was known for his hawkish foreign policy and behind-the-scenes command of Washington’s power structures and he shaped Republican strategy for decades.
Cheney’s standing with the GOP shifted massively in recent years. Although he maintained his conservative principles, he became increasingly isolated from party leadership due to his outspoken condemnation of President Donald Trump. Cheney said that Trump was a “coward,” and that his influence posed an unprecedented threat to the foundations of American democracy.
What To Know
Cheney amassed a significant net worth, primarily during his career in the private sector.
From October 1, 1995, to July 25, 2000, Cheney was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Halliburton, a Fortune 500 company. He resigned as CEO the same day that he was announced as George Bush’s vice-presidential pick in the 2000 election.
According to a report from Forbes at the time, Cheney had an accumulated 1,089,000 shares of the company’s stock, including vested options, when he stepped down, which were worth an estimated $47.4 million.
This was in addition to his salary of $1.28 million and $2.04 million in other types of compensation, as per Forbes.
Forbes estimated that at the time he stepped down, Cheney had a net worth of at least $50 million.
A report from The New York Times, also released at the time that Cheney stepped down, stated that Cheney was set to receive a retirement package of at least $20 million.
A recent estimate from the outlet Celebrity Net Worth puts Cheney’s estimated net worth as high as $150 million; however, the estimate from this outlet is likely not as reliable as estimations from financial newspapers.
Cheney is survived by his wife, Lynne, two daughters, Liz and Mary, and seven grandchildren.
He and his wife were high school sweethearts and had been married 61 years. His daughter Liz Cheney is an American attorney and politician, who was the U.S. representative for Wyoming’s at-large congressional district between 2017 and 2023.
His fortune is likely to be passed down to his family.
What People Are Saying
The family of Dick Cheney, in a statement confirming his death: “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”
Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, in a post on X: “Vice President Cheney dedicated his life to serving our nation. He was known for his love of his family and his country. Ann and I are praying for the Cheney family and all who knew him during this time.”
What Happens Next
As the world reacts to Cheney’s passing, details around his funeral, as well as his will, may go on to be made public in the coming days.
By Marni Rose McFall
November 4, 2025
