John D. Rockefeller IV dies at 89: Who was the heir who chose politics over billions?

The former West Virginia governor and five-term United States (U.S.) Senator John D. Rockefeller IV has died on Friday at the age of 89. The politician belonging to America’s most influential and wealthiest family passed away at his home in Washington DC. 

The cause of the death has not been revealed yet.

Oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller Sr.’s great-grandson served as West Virginia governor from 1977 to 1985 and then went on to represent the state in the Senate for three decades.

Despite his family’s longstanding association with the Republican Party, Rockefeller IV chose Democratic Party and became the only one associated with the Democrats from the family’s prominent elected politicians.

Born in New York City in 1937, Rockefeller moved to West Virginia in 1964 to work with Volunteers in Service to America, an anti-poverty program that shaped his political career.

During his time in the Senate, he championed healthcare reforms, consumer protections, mine safety and veterans’ benefits.

He was a key figure in creating the Children’s Health Insurance Program in 1997, which increased health insurance for the children of low-income families.

Rockefeller serves as the Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and headed an inquiry into intelligence that justified the invasion of Iraq by the United States in 2003.He became a supporter of the war but later said he regretted his decision.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey credited Rockefeller with having a legacy in the state because of his long tenure as a public servant.

Rockefeller left the Senate in 2015, ending nearly five decades in public office.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Percy Rockefeller, their four children and nine grandchildren.