Brian Mulroney dead at 84: Canada’s 18th prime minister who was close to US presidents & a key Desert Storm advisor dies

FORMER Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who had a close friendship with several US Presidents, has died at the age of 84.

He served as the 18th prime minister and led the country through a grueling period in history and left office with an impressive and divisive career.

His death was announced by his daughter, Caroline, on social media.

"On behalf of my mother and our family, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of my father, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada's 18th Prime Minister," Caroline wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"He died peacefully, surrounded by family."

Mulroney was born to a working-class family in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, and began his political tenure right during his university years.

He became an adviser to Conservative Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and worked behind the scenes in politics for years, earning a law degree.

In 1976, he attempted to become the next federal Progressive Conservative leader but ultimately lost to Joe Clark.

Refusing to quit, Mulroney joined the corporate world, becoming a senior executive but still had roots in politics as he planned to oust Clark.

In 1983, his pursuits finally worked when he became the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

"Together we're going to build a brand new party and a brand new country," he said at the time.

After a successful campaign, Mulroney became prime minister on September 17, 1983.

During his time, Mulroney became a controversial figure, known for tackling some of the most challenging issues of his time.

"Mr. Mulroney took some very tough decisions which only in retrospect people are appreciating," former diplomat and Mulroney's former chief of staff Derek Burney told .