The McCain family is mourning another loss.
It’s with heavy hearts we report Doug McCain, the eldest son of the late John McCain, has passed away “suddenly” at 66 years old. The news was first revealed on Wednesday, when HD Oliver Funeral Apartments shared an obituary for the Navy pilot revealing he “died suddenly” that day — however, the obituary offered no further details on the circumstances surrounding his death. Doug’s younger sister Meghan, 41, took to Instagram on Saturday to confirm the news with a heartbroken post:
“I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain’s sudden passing. He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life. He brought humor, fun and great conversation to every room. I will cherish our memories together.”
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She left off:
“Our prayers are with his wife Ashley and children Caroline and Shepp.”
See her full post (below):
View this post on Instagram
The McCain Institute further paid tribute to Doug on X (Twitter):
We extend our condolences to the McCain family following the passing of Douglas ‘Doug’ Shepp McCain, the eldest son of John McCain. A Navy pilot like his father, Doug will be remembered as a patriot and friend to the many alumni of Sen. McCain’s Institute, campaigns & Senate staff.”
See (below):
We extend our condolences to the McCain family following the passing of Douglas “Doug” Shepp McCain, the eldest son of John McCain. A Navy pilot like his father, Doug will be remembered as a patriot and friend to the many alumni of Sen. McCain’s Institute, campaigns & Senate… pic.twitter.com/7qN8VrltAs
— McCain Institute (@McCainInstitute) May 23, 2026
Doug, born in 1959, was the son of John’s first wife Carol Shepp. However, John went on to legally adopt him and his brother Andrew in 1965 when he married Carol. The couple then went on to welcome daughter Sidney together in 1966. The two eventually divorced in 1980, the same year John married Cindy McCain, with whom he welcomed Meghan, John “Jack,” 40, James, 38, and Bridget, 35.
In 2017 documentary John McCain: For Whom The Bell Tolls, Doug candidly spoke about his connections with his siblings:
“I have a good relationship with Cindy, as do my brother and sister. And I have a good relationship with Meghan, Jack, Jimmy and Bridget. We’re not extraordinarily close, but if I ever need something, I know how to reach them.”
Doug’s death comes eight years after John died after a battle with brain cancer. As of now, there are no details regarding his cause or matter of death.
Our hearts are with the McCain family as they navigate this loss. Rest in peace, Doug.
[Images via CNN & Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain/YouTube & Meghan McCain/Instagram
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