Stephen King Asks 'Is Mitch McConnell Alive or Dead?' and Critics Say He Was Buried in the 'Pet Semetary'

Stephen King has publicly questioned Mitch McConnell's condition after the 84-year-old Kentucky senator remained out of public view following a June hospitalisation, asking on X, 'Is Mitch McConnell alive or dead?'

The post drew numerous replies, including one user who joked that McConnell had been 'buried in the Pet Semetary'.

The exchange came as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear renewed calls for McConnell to address the public directly.

McConnell has not been seen publicly since being hospitalised on 14 June, although his office has released two photographs and several written updates.

Stephen King Questions Mitch McConnell's Absence

King, 78, who frequently comments on US politics online, posted the question on X amid continued attention over McConnell's absence. His wording was brief and direct, and the replies soon turned to dark humour about the senator's health and public status.

'! Is Mitch McConnell alive or dead?' King wrote.

One respondent answered, 'That depends on your definition of the former and the latter.' Another wrote, 'He was buried in the Pet Semetary friend. You created the damn thing,' referring to one of King's well-known works. Fellow author Joe Lansdale also replied, 'I haven't been able to tell for years.'

Some of the responses drew on King's own horror writing, while another commenter suggested the situation could become the premise of a future novel.

'I swear, if you don't write a novel about a Senator who governs for more than 2 years after being deceased, I'm gonna be really disappointed,' the user wrote.

The posts were jokes, not evidence about McConnell's condition. The senator has released two photographs since his hospitalisation, but he has not appeared publicly or spoken with reporters during that period.

McConnell has issued written updates about his recovery, while his office has not publicly confirmed a return date as of 10 September.

Beshear Renews Pressure Over Mitch McConnell's Absence

Beshear has been pressing McConnell to either show he can still serve or step aside. In July, the governor sent a letter calling on the senator to speak directly to the people he represents.

'As Governor of the state you serve, I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign,' Beshear wrote.

Beshear said on Wednesday, 9 September, that McConnell would owe an explanation to the American people and Kentuckians if he did not return when the Senate reconvenes on Monday, 14 September.

The governor's remarks added an official political response to questions surrounding McConnell's prolonged absence.

While King's post prompted jokes and memes, Beshear's comments focused on whether the senator can carry out his elected responsibilities and whether voters should hear from him directly.

Beshear has been urging McConnell since July to serve in the office to which he was elected or resign. His latest remarks therefore continued an argument he had already made publicly rather than opening a new dispute over the senator's status.

McConnell said in July that a fall had left him briefly unconscious and that he was also treated for a mild case of pneumonia.

On 6 August, he announced that he had left a rehabilitation centre and would continue physical therapy at home. He has not been publicly seen since his June hospitalisation.

Stephen King's Mitch McConnell Post Draws Pet Sematary Reference

One reply referenced King's novel Pet Sematary, turning King's own fiction into a joke about McConnell's absence.

Other responses also used macabre humour, but the central issue remained whether the senator would make a direct public appearance or statement.

King, meanwhile, has remained active online. He is also preparing for another book release. His next novel, Other Worlds Than These, credited to King and the late Peter Straub, is scheduled for release on 6 October.