A former congresswoman who marked a historic first for the Republican Party and was once considered one of the party's top rising stars has sadly passed away.

Former Rep. Mia Love (R-UT), the first black female Republican elected to Congress, died on Sunday at the age of 49, according to the Daily Caller.

Per a prior statement earlier this month from Love's daughter, it is believed that the former GOP congresswoman turned CNN contributor finally succumbed to glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive type of brain cancer.

Former congresswoman's family announces death

In a statement posted Sunday evening to her X account, former Rep. Love's family said, "With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully today."

"She was in her home surrounded by family," they continued. "In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward."

"We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences," the family added. "We are taking some time as a family and will provide information about funeral services and a public celebration of her life in the days to come."

Love represented a historic first for Republicans

According to USA Today, former Rep. Love made history as the first black female Republican in Congress when she, the daughter of Haitian immigrants to the U.S., was elected to represent Utah's 4th District in 2014.

Though widely heralded at the time as a trailblazer for other conservative minority women, Love was only re-elected by voters once and served just two terms before she was defeated in 2018 in a close race against a Democratic challenger, former Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT), who'd previously served as the mayor of Salt Lake County.

One possible reason for her electoral loss was her refusal to endorse former President Donald Trump in 2016 and her sharp criticism of some of his policies, which did not sit well with Republican voters.

Daughter previously revealed battle against brain cancer

USA Today reported that though Love's family did not specify her cause of death in the statement, it had previously been revealed just weeks earlier by the former congresswoman's daughter that she had been struggling with a brain cancer diagnosis.

In a March 1 X post from Love's daughter Abigale on her mother's account, she wrote, "Many of you are aware that Mom has been fighting GBM brain cancer. Sadly her cancer is no longer responding to treatment and the cancer is progressing."

"We have a shifted our focus from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her," she added at that time. "I am building an archive of special memories with Mia. Please send your pictures, videos and memories to me at MiaLoveMemories@gmail.com. Thank you."

Speaker Johnson expresses condolences on behalf of Congress

Undoubtedly representing the sentiments of many of her former GOP colleagues and friends, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) posted in reply to the Love family's sad announcement, "Members of Congress are mourning the passing of @MiaBLove, who was a trusted friend and colleague, an extraordinary person, and an exceptional leader."

"She will always be remembered for her warm smile and wit, and her historic contributions. God bless her family and her legacy. Our prayers are with you all," he added.