Sen. Darline Graham: Lindsey Worked Himself to Death

The late Sen. Lindsey Graham's dedication to his work led to his untimely death, according to his sister and successor, Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C.

Speaking during a Senate Budget Committee hearing Wednesday morning, Darline Graham delivered an emotional tribute to her late brother, saying his relentless commitment to serving South Carolina and the nation ultimately came at the cost of his life.

"Just the absolute outpouring of love and support and all of the personal stories, how he just personally touched so many people is just absolutely amazing to me," Graham said. "That has meant so much to me over this last week."

Holding back tears, she said Lindsey Graham worked harder than anyone she had ever known and ignored repeated pleas to slow down.

"He worked harder than anyone I have ever known. And I'm not just saying that because he's my brother," she said. "I begged him to slow down. I knew it was not going to be good."

Darline Graham said she had long feared her brother's demanding schedule would eventually catch up with him.

"I had already prayed and knew in my heart that one day something was going to happen," she said. "He was not going to stop. He loved serving the people of South Carolina. He loved serving this country. And I ultimately, like you, I feel like it took him from us."

Darline Graham made the remarks during the Budget Committee's first meeting since Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on July 11 from an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who recently succeeded Lindsey Graham as committee chairman, echoed Darline Graham's assessment, arguing that the longtime senator's demanding travel schedule and tireless work on national security issues contributed to his death.

"I think it cost him his life," Johnson said, noting Lindsey Graham had traveled to Turkey and Ukraine just days before his passing. "He dedicated his life. He gave his life to this country."

Johnson also urged lawmakers to honor Lindsey Graham's legacy by pursuing more bipartisan cooperation, calling his death "maybe a wake-up call."

Several Democrats joined Republicans in praising Lindsey Graham's ability to work across party lines despite often fierce political disagreements.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said Congress had lost one of its most effective dealmakers.

"We are a grimmer and a dumber place without Lindsey Graham," Whitehouse said, adding that the Senate's ability to tackle difficult issues had been diminished.

Darline Graham concluded her remarks by saying her family's loss remains profound, but her brother's example of public service will endure.

"His legacy will live on," she said. "Thank you so much."