Rep. Kay Granger says she's had 'unforeseen health challenges,' but not in memory care

Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) says she’s had “unforeseen health challenges,” with her office denying that she’s in memory care.

“I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of care and concern over the past several days,” Granger said in an emailed statement to The Hill on Sunday.

“As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year,” she added. “However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable.”

Granger’s statement to The Hill comes in the wake of a Friday report from local outlet The Dallas Express focused on Granger’s whereabouts. According to the report, the outlet received confirmation of the Texas Republican’s residence in a memory care and assisted living facility from three of its employees.

“In November, I was able to return to DC to hold meetings on behalf of my constituents, express my gratitude to my staff, and oversee the closure of my Washington office. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the city of Fort Worth — as a city council member, as mayor, and as a Member of Congress,” Granger said in the statement sent to The Hill on Sunday.

“Thank you for your continued prayers and support that you have extended to me,” she added.

On Sunday, the 81-year-old congresswoman's son, Brandon Granger, told The Dallas Morning News that she has been "having some dementia issues late in the year."

Brandon Granger said his mother is living at Tradition Senior Living in Fort Worth and also confirmed that she is not in a memory care facility.

“There’s nothing wrong with someone wanting to live in a community with other folks their age,” Brandon Granger told The Dallas Morning News. “She’s in a building with a lot of other folks her age that are super active that she really loves. She has exercise classes, she gets to be around people all the time, it’s wonderful for her for this point in life.”

Granger announced that she would not be seeking reelection a little more than a year ago. 

“As I announce my decision to not seek re-election, I am encouraged by the next generation of leaders in my district,” Granger said in a past statement. “It’s time for the next generation to step up and take the mantle and be a strong and fierce representative for the people.”

The Hill has reached out to The Dallas Express for comment.

Updated at 8:26 p.m. EDT