Top politicians are paying tribute to Bob Dolefollowing his deathon Sunday. He was 98.
Shortly after news of the late Senator’s death was made public, PresidentJoe Bidenexpressed his condolences in a social media statement.
In anotherstatement, Biden remembered his close friend and detailed a visit he made to the late politician a month after he was sworn in as president earlier this year.
“Bob had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and I was were there tooffer the same support, love, and encouragement that they showed me and Jill when our son Beau battled cancer, and that the Doles have shown us over the half century we’ve been friends,” he wrote.
Noting that the two “picked up right where we left off,” Biden continued that though they “often disagreed” on certain topics, Dole “never hesitated to work with me or other Democrats when it mattered most.”
“Bob was an American statesman like few in our history. A war hero and among the greatest of the Greatest Generation. And to me, he was also a friend whom I could look to for trusted guidance, or a humorous line at just the right moment to settle frayed nerves. I will miss my friend,” he added. “But I am grateful for the times we shared, and for the friendship Jill and I and our family have built with Liddy and the entire Dole family.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
In a statement of his own, former presidentBarack Obamaexpressed condolences from himself and his wife,Michelle Obama. “Senator Dole and I differed on policy, and I didn’t serve with him in the Senate. But I did get to know him over the years, and for that I will always be grateful,” he wrote.
Diana Walker/Getty
Want to get the biggest stories fromPEOPLEevery weekday?Subscribe to our new podcast,PEOPLE Every Day,to get the essential celebrity, entertainment and human interest news stories Monday through Friday.
George W. Bushalso penned his own remembrance to Dole, who previously served as the longtime leader of Senate Republicans.
“Our entire family benefitted from that friendship, including my father,” Bush, 75, added. “I will always remember Bob’s salute to my late dad at the Capitol, and now we Bushes salute Bob and give thanks for his life of principled service. Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Elizabeth and join our fellow citizens in prayer for her comfort.”
RELATED VIDEO: Former Senator Bob Dole Pays His Respects to Former President George H.W. Bush
On Twitter,Bill Clinton— who defeated Dole in the 1996 presidential election — expressed his sorrow as well, alongside a photo of Dole.
“Bob Dole dedicated his entire life to serving the American people, from his heroism in World War II to the 35 years he spent in Congress. After all he gave in the war, he didn’t have to give more,” hetweeted. “But he did. His example should inspire people today and for generations to come.”
Donald Trumpalso shared a message in remembrance of Dole,CNNreported.
Pence, 62,addedthat Dole’s “legacy is a legacy of service,” and sent his condolences to all who knew him.
Vice PresidentKamala Harrissimilarly shared her own reflective message as well.
“Senator Bob Dole was a war hero and patriot, who devoted his life to service,” Harris, 57, said in asocial media statement. “Today, Doug and I are thinking of Sen. Elizabeth Dole and the entire Dole family as we remember the life of a great American.”
On Sunday, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced Dole’s death in astatementshared on social media.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep,” the statement read. “At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years.”
Earlier this year, Dole shared that he had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. “I have some hurdles ahead,” the politician said when heannounced his diagnosis in February.
source: people.com
