Roberta McCain, the stylish, straight-talking mother of the late Sen. John McCain as well as the grandmother of “The View” co-host Meghan McCain, has died at the incredible age of 108.
Sen. McCain’s widow, Cindy, announced her mother-in-law’s passing on Twitter, writing, “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my wonderful Mother In-law, Roberta McCain. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model or a better friend. She joins her husband Jack, her son John and daughter Sandy.”
Roberta McCain and her identical twin Rowena (who died in 2011) were born February 7, 1912, in Muskegee, Oklahoma. An oil heiress, she wed naval ensign John S. McCain Jr., who went on to become a four-star admiral.
A mother of three, McCain was a stalwart supporter of her famous son’s, including when he was captured during the Vietnam War and as a frequent presence during his 2008 political campaign.
More a maverick than even her son, she appeared on “The Tonight Show” in an interview with Jay Leno — but only after her son lost the presidency to Barack Obama. The late booking was “because I talk too much,” she told Leno, admitting that the campaign had been trying to keep her quiet.
A tireless world traveler, her public appearances slowed after her 100th birthday and a stroke, though she did attend ceremonies honoring the late senator when he died in August 2018.
Along with her son, McCain was preceded in death by her twin, her husband, and her daughter. She is survived by her son Joe McCain, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.