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Lawmakers Tweet Tributes To Senator John McCain

/ CBS Pittsburgh

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NEW YORK (CBS) – Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle took to Twitter on Saturday to pay tribute to the late Sen. John McCain.

The longtime Republican leader and war hero died at the age of 81.

"Senator John Sidney McCain III died at 4:28pm on August 25, 2018. With the Senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family. At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for sixty years," his office said in a statement.

MORE: Senator John McCain Dies At 81

McCain's wife, Cindy, wrote "my heart is broken."

His daughter, Meghan, shared a statement with the caption, "I love you forever – my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain."

President Donald Trump extended his "deepest sympathies."

Former President Barack Obama also shared his condolences in a statement.

McCain's former running mate, Sarah Palin, referred to him as an "American original."

House Speaker Paul Ryan called him "a giant of our time."

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake said the "world has lost a hero and a statesman."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the senator as a "truth teller."

Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey said he was praying for him and his family.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said "he will be missed."

Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey released the following statement:

"Today is a sad day for the Senate and America. Senator John McCain was a hero and one of our nation's greatest patriots.

"But most of all Senator McCain was a fighter. He fought for his country in Vietnam. He fought for his brothers in arms while being held as prisoners of war. And for more than thirty years, Senator McCain fought for Arizonans in the Senate. Most importantly, Senator McCain was not afraid to fight for what he thought was right, even when it was unpopular.

"Senator McCain led a life that should be admired and respected by all Americans. I am proud to have called him a friend. Kris and I send our deepest sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family."

Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge released the following statement:

"Our hearts are heavy tonight as we grieve the loss of John McCain, my dear friend. And what a privilege it has been to have such a friend as John. Has there been a more courageous patriot, who over the last half century was more widely respected globally or who was as fierce a proponent for American exceptionalism than John? He lived a life to service as few others have. And when you take a look at that lifetime of service, his was performed with unfailing integrity. You not only respected and admired that in John, but it generated a real affection for the man and the kind of life he chose to lead. A life of honor. Of heroism. Of sacrifice. And of love for his country, his party, and most of all, his beautiful family. Michele and I send our deepest condolences to John's wife, Cindy, and his children.

"If you ever had the honor of being in a room with John when he met with fellow prisoners of war, it was like nothing you have ever seen. Their admiration and respect for him was beyond anything I can ever explain. Consider that the country which shot down John's plane -- who then held him hostage for years and years -- ultimately built a statue to honor him. That monument on the banks of the Ho Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi says more about John McCain and his lasting impact around the world than words ever could.

"America is a greater nation thanks to John McCain. His contributions and legacy will forever endure."

© 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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