Key status clarification
Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, died on March 23, 2022, in Washington, D.C. She was 84. The cause of death was cancer. This status_clarifier presents verified details, timeline context, and durable information to correct confusion and provide a clear factual record.
Biographical context and confirmation timeline
Madeleine Jana Korbel Albright was born on May 15, 1937, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She was appointed Secretary of State by President Bill Clinton and served from 1997 to 2001. Her death on March 23, 2022, was publicly confirmed by her family and the State Department that day. Multiple authoritative sources, including the U.S. government and reputable news outlets, reported the date and circumstances promptly.
Verified detail table
The following table summarizes the most important, source-backed attributes related to her death and public service. Sources include official statements, family communications, and contemporaneous news reports.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | March 23, 2022 | Official statement / news report |
| Place of death | Washington, D.C., United States | Family statement |
| Reported cause of death | Cancer | Family statement |
| Age at death | 84 years old | Obituary notices |
| Role | 64th U.S. Secretary of State (1997–2001) | U.S. government records |
| Confirmation of death date | March 23, 2022 | Family and State Department |
Distinguishing fact from rumor
Because high-profile figures occasionally face misinformation, it is useful to anchor understanding in primary sources. For Albright:
- Confirmed date is March 23, 2022, not an alternate date.
- Cause of death was cancer, as stated by her family.
- Place of death was Washington, D.C., where she had been receiving treatment.
- No credible official source disputes the family timeline or cause.
Public service and enduring relevance
Albright served as Secretary of State during a pivotal period for U.S. foreign policy, including NATO enlargement, responses to the Balkan conflicts, and engagement with emerging powers. Her tenure shaped diplomatic norms and communications about international institutions. Understanding her service and the verified date of death helps contextualize her ongoing influence in diplomacy and international relations.
Clarifying common points of confusion
Confusion sometimes arises around the year or exact circumstances of death. Cross-checking multiple authoritative sources—such as the U.S. government archives, family statements, and established media outlets—confirms March 23, 2022, as the date and cancer as the reported cause. This status_clarifier minimizes ambiguity by citing those corroborating references.