Chuck Grassley’s Vacuum Died, And Even The New York Times Took Notice

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) bid a sad farewell to his longtime vacuum cleaner on Saturday, and even The New York Times took a moment to eulogize the legendary piece of machinery.

Grassley shared the sad news in a pair of posts on X — including a photo of his beloved “Beth” that showed damage to the cord from electrical sparks.

“U willl see Beth no more. See black that’s from electrical sparks. It’s not safe to use anymore. GOOD BYE BETH. U hv been a real workhorse. Ur namesake still is hard worker. I will miss u,” the senator wrote.

It’s a sad day at Grassley household…. For my 34 years and 15 yrs before that at my mother in law’s home Beth has worked dependably….

— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) August 8, 2026

“It’s a sad day at Grassley household … For my 34 years and 15 yrs before that at my mother in law’s home Beth has worked dependably …” he added.

The New York Times took note of the occasion, publishing a brief tongue-in-cheek obituary for “Beth” on Saturday.

“Beth, a trusty tan Hoover vacuum cleaner with a burgundy cloth dust bag that for years tended to the floors of the Iowa farmhouse of Senator Chuck Grassley, earning admirers in both parties, has died. She was believed to be 49,” the obituary began — and then proceeded to document Beth’s history as portrayed by Grassley on social media.

In 2018, as others in the household prepared food for Thanksgiving, Grassley shared a photo of Beth and said that he’d be doing his part to get ready for guests as well: “Mrs G and daughter Wendy hv started big job of preparing meal for30 at farm Thxgiving. So my housework contribution begins. This is my machine (Beth).”

Mrs G and daughter Wendy hv started big job of preparing meal for30 at farm Thxgiving. So my housework contribution begins. This is my machine (Beth😄) pic.twitter.com/DYJCkdrqzk

— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) November 20, 2018

Beth made follow-up appearances in later social media posts, and even found a “fan” in Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The Times also noted that Beth, at the time of her “passing,” was older than several lawmakers currently serving in the U.S. Senate — a group that includes Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) — and had long outpaced the average eight-year lifespan of a Hoover upright vacuum.