The adoptive son of the late Sen. John McCain died “suddenly,” according to his obituary.

Meghan McCain’s older brother, Douglas Shepp McCain, dies at 66: ‘A truly wonderful, joyful man,’ the ex-View star says

The adoptive son of the late Sen. John McCain died "suddenly," according to his obituary.

By Sharareh Drury

May 24, 2026 5:28 p.m. ET

Meghan McCain and Douglas Shepp McCain. Credit:

- Douglas Shepp McCain, eldest son of Sen. John McCain and brother to former *View *co-host Meghan McCain, has died at 66.

- "He was a truly wonderful, joyful man," Meghan wrote of her brother in an Instagram post.

- Douglas and his brother Andrew were adopted by the Republican senator after he wed their mother, Carol.**

Douglas Shepp McCain, the eldest son of Sen. John McCain, has died. He was 66.

Per his obituary, Douglas died "suddenly" on May 20. His sister Meghan McCain wrote of his passing on Instagram, while including a photo of her brother standing beside the late senator.

"I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain's sudden passing," the former *View* star wrote. "He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life. He brought humor, fun and great conversation to every room. I will cherish our memories together."

Douglas Shepp McCain.

meghanmccain/Instagram

Meghan added that her family's prayers are with Douglas' wife and children. No further details were provided for Douglas' cause of death.

Douglas was the eldest son of Carol McCain, John's first wife, from a previous marriage. The Republican senator adopted both Douglas and his brother, Andrew McCain, after he wed Carole in 1965. The couple had their daughter Sidney in 1966.

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Born in Pensacola, Fla., Douglas attended the University of Virginia where he majored in Systems Engineering. He met his future wife Ashley in college, and graduated in 1982. Douglas soon joined the Navy and flew for six years before joining American Airlines for the rest of his career.

"He was a loyal friend to many and cherished each and every friendship. He was a devoted son, a loving father to Caroline and Shepp, and most recently found great joy in being Teddy’s grandfather. Doug will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyal friendships, and his unwavering love for his family. He will be dearly missed by those close to him," his obituary read.

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The McCain Institute also paid tribute to Douglas, writing, "We extend our condolences to the McCain family following the passing of Douglas 'Doug' Shepp McCain, the eldest son of John McCain. A Navy pilot like his father, Doug will be remembered as a patriot and friend to the many alumni of Sen. McCain’s Institute, campaigns & Senate staff."

Douglas is survived by his wife Ashley, his two children Caroline and Douglas, his mother Carol McCain, along with his siblings and step-siblings.**

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