Bob Dole has passed away at age 98.
Dole is remembered as a war hero who overcame life-threatening injuries during World War II.
He later went on to become a senator and was the 1996 presidential candidate for the republican party.
Mr. Dole’s family released this statement:
“Bob Dole never forgot where he came from. He embodied the integrity, humor, compassion and unbounded work ethic of the wide open plains of his youth,” the statement read. “He was a powerful voice for pragmatic conservatism, and it was that unique Kansan combination of attributes and values that made him such a giant of the Senate.”
He will be remembered for his war-time bravery, his zest for life, and his wonderful sense of humor.
Rest in Peace Bob Dole.
NBC News broke the news of his passing:
Bob Dole, the longtime lawmaker who overcame life-threatening injuries during World War II to become a shepherd of the Republican Party, died in his sleep Sunday at the age of 98.
Dole's death was confirmed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in a statement Sunday.
"It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep," the foundation said. "At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years."
His family also released a statement about Dole's death Sunday, saying that they have lost their rock, adding that they shared Dole with Americans "from every walk of life" over the decades.
"Bob Dole never forgot where he came from. He embodied the integrity, humor, compassion and unbounded work ethic of the wide open plains of his youth," the statement said. "He was a powerful voice for pragmatic conservatism, and it was that unique Kansan combination of attributes and values that made him such a giant of the Senate."
Many offered up their prayers and condolences to the Dole family on Twitter:
Mr. Dole will be remembered as a war hero from his time in the army during World War II.
In 2018, following the death of fellow veteran George H.W. Bush, Dole insisted on standing and saluting despite the fact that he was wheelchair bound:
He did the same thing for a fallen friend in 2012:
Mr. Dole will also be remembered for his amazing sense of humor.
Check out this clip from an episode from Saturday Night Life with Dole and Norm Macdonald:
Rest in peace
Who would have ever thought back in the 1990s that we’d lose both Bob Dole and Norm Macdonald in the same year decades later in 2021?
And that we’d lose the inimitable Norm Macdonald first.
What a year.
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!