SerpApi.Org
Darline also said she’s “made a decision” about whether to seek a full Senate term to replace her late brother
NEED TO KNOW
- Darline Graham said her late brother Lindsey Graham didn’t prioritize his health while pursuing what she called a “mission”
- The South Carolina senator died of a ruptured aorta caused by chronic heart disease at 71 years old on July 11, according to preliminary medical examiner findings
- Darline confirmed she will run for a full Senate term after being sworn in to replace her brother on a temporary basis
Sen. Darline Graham opened up about her late brother Lindsey Graham following his death.
While appearing on Fox News with Sean Hannity on Monday, July 20, the South Carolina lawmaker was asked whether her brother, Lindsey, took care of himself.
“No, he didn’t,” Darline, 62, said of her older brother who died on Saturday, July 11, at the age of 71.
“If I could go back and beg and plead and get him to do better, I would. But I can’t,” she continued. “He was on a mission … a mission from God, I think. I mean that’s almost … I think why he was here on this Earth.”
Lindsey died from a ruptured aorta brought on by chronic heart disease, according to the preliminary examination findings of the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Lindsey’s communications director, Taylor Reidy, shared the preliminary findings on X on Sunday, July 12. His death was officially listed as “Aortic Dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.”
“The death certificate will be pending until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death,” the medical examiner’s office said.
On July 14, Darline was sworn in as a U.S. senator for South Carolina, becoming the first woman to represent the state in the Senate, replacing Lindsey until the end of his term in January. President Donald Trump later encouraged Darline, who is also believed to be the first sister appointed to fill a deceased senator’s seat, to run in the special election to officially replace her late brother as the Republican candidate.
“Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina,” the president wrote via Truth Social on Friday, July 17. “SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”
Speaking with Hannity on Monday, Darline confirmed she will seek a full term for the South Carolina seat.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“I’ve made a decision,” she said. “I’m in.”
“I have been praying a lot, talking to my family,” she continued.
“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” she added. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes. Absolutely.”
Republicans hoping to win the Senate seat must file their candidacy between July 21 and July 28. The GOP primary will be held on Aug. 11, with the winner advancing to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Read the original article on People
