Sen. John McCain's 2008 presidential running mate Sarah Palin was not invited to the Arizona senator's funeral services, according to a tweet from MSNBC booking director Jesse Rodriguez, who said NBC White House correspondent Kelly O'Donnell had learned of the fact.
A source within the Palin family told NBC News, "out of respect to Sen. McCain and his family, we have nothing to add at this point," emphasizing the family "will always cherish their friendship with the McCains and hold those memories dear."
Carla Eudy, a fundraiser who has worked with and been friends with the McCain family for decades, confirmed to People an invitation was not given to the former Alaska governor.
Eudy, who helped plan the memorial services, did not say who made the decision or how it was conveyed, but a source with knowledge of the funeral arrangements added several longtime McCain staffers were also removed from the invitation list in recent days by Eudy.
McCain, who died Saturday at age 81 from brain cancer, will be buried in private at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on Sunday following a series of memorial services throughout the week, according to The Hill.
Following McCain's death, Palin send out a tweet: "Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs. John never took the easy path in life – and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self.
Palin added "John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family."
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