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Lawmakers, Celebrities React to McCain's Passing

By Solange Reyner | Saturday, 25 August 2018 10:04 PM EDT

John McCain was a "giant of our time" and "will always be listed among freedom’s most gallant and faithful servants," House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., tweeted Saturday night following the former Senator's death.

Many lawmakers and celebrities reacted on Twitter Saturday night following McCain's passing. The 81-year-old was a naval bomber pilot, prisoner of war and conservative maverick who died from brain cancer.

.@SenJohnMcCain was a true American hero who led an extraordinary life dedicated to his country. He was a passionate public servant whose courage was demonstrated in Vietnam and continued on the Senate floor as a fierce advocate for the military and veterans. (1/2)
— Senator John Boozman (@JohnBoozman) August 26, 2018

We remember John’s tenacious spirit and unyielding determination to make our country better. His leadership will be missed but his legacy will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with John’s beloved wife Cindy and his entire family at this time. (2/2)
— Senator John Boozman (@JohnBoozman) August 26, 2018

John McCain was a patriot, statesman, fighter & someone I was honored to call a friend. From our travels to US military bases - to quiet moments in the Senate barber shop - I will forever remember his enduring passion for our great country. My heart & prayers are with his family.
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) August 26, 2018

John McCain & I served together in the United States Senate for 32 years. His tenacity & courage, including in Vietnam as a POW for 6 years- won’t be forgotten. I join the nation tonight in honoring Sen McCain’s life and legacy of service
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) August 26, 2018

RIP my 24-year colleague, John McCain, who was a force in our nation until the minute he left us. I will always treasure the times we worked together and even the times where we disagreed and duked it out. His voice will be sorely missed in this time when his courage is so needed
— Barbara Boxer (@BarbaraBoxer) August 26, 2018

John McCain was a giant of our time—not just for the things he achieved, but for who he was and what he fought for all his life. He will always be listed among freedom’s most gallant and faithful servants.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 26, 2018

John will be remembered as he hoped to be remembered: as a man who served his country with honor. Brooke and send our prayers to Cindy and the entire McCain family. https://t.co/FCpgcmp4eL
— Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) August 26, 2018

Our statement on the passing of Senator John McCain: pic.twitter.com/3GBjNYxoj5
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 26, 2018

A true American patriot & hero has passed.
John McCain was an example of a public policy maker who fought for what he believed in, and had the character & dignity to stand up for what was right -- even if he had to oppose some of his colleagues to do so.
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) August 26, 2018

Senator John McCain passed today, all i can think about..he never stopped trying to do his best. What an honor it’s been to know him. My condolences to the family he loved and adored and to his daughter & my friend @MeghanMcCain...from all my family, much love
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 26, 2018

I concur. John McCain was a fine man who embodied decency and lived a life of honor. RIP to a true American hero and patriot. https://t.co/PG9xyR4aXG
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) August 26, 2018