Senator Chuck Grassley Announces Death of 49-Year-Old Vacuum

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley announced the death of his vacuum cleaner, Beth, a tan Hoover upright model estimated to be 49 years old. Grassley shared the news on social media on August 8, 2026, explaining that electrical sparks on the cord connector rendered the machine unsafe for further use.

The vacuum served Grassley's household for 34 years and his mother-in-law's home for 15 years prior. Grassley had frequently posted about the machine during holiday cleaning, describing the appliance as a real workhorse.

The announcement drew condolences from political figures, including Iowa Democratic state representative Josh Turek. The vacuum's nearly five-decade lifespan significantly exceeded the eight-year average reported by the manufacturer, Hoover.