Lindsey Graham was a statesman who believed "he had a role to play in the world" in addition to serving his state and country, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., told Newsmax on Monday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Scott reflected on the life and legacy of his longtime Senate colleague, describing Graham as a gifted bridge-builder, a fierce foreign policy advocate and a loyal friend whose humor often eased even the most difficult moments.
"I think he was the kind of a statesman who just doesn't serve here at home in South Carolina or the nation," Scott said. "He felt like he had a role to play in the world. And he did."
Graham's office said Sunday that the South Carolina Republican died after a "brief and sudden illness."
Preliminary examination findings indicated that the cause was an aortic dissection resulting from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Scott said Graham's personality made him one of the Senate's most memorable figures, recalling how he could inject humor into nearly any situation.
Among his favorite memories was Graham joking with a 3-year-old during Scott's wedding reception that there would be "no Social Security" left for him, a quip that drew laughter and helped calm the then-58-year-old groom.
"He just made things a little bit better," Scott said. "Even when you disagreed with him vehemently, he was hard not to like because he was always smiling, always joking."
Scott also recounted inviting Graham to his annual South Carolina prayer breakfast in Washington.
Graham initially joked, "If Jesus comes before 10 a.m., I won't be there," but still arrived around 8:30 a.m. just after the event began.
"He's never going to let his friends down," Scott said. "If he's your friend, he's your friend to the end."
Scott said the bipartisan outpouring of tributes following Graham's death reflected his unique ability to work across political lines while maintaining a close relationship with President Donald Trump.
"I rarely get a phone call from a Democrat in the Senate. And yesterday I received three or four," Scott said. "Lindsey Graham had a way of bridging the gap with Democrats and with Republicans and the president."
Scott also highlighted Graham's deep commitment to American leadership overseas, particularly his support for Ukraine.
Graham had just returned from his latest trip to Ukraine before his death, believing a breakthrough on a Russia sanctions package was near.
"He knew that Russia was the aggressor," Scott said. "Lindsey Graham wanted America to play a more prominent role."
Scott acknowledged Graham's hawkish foreign policy views sometimes sparked debate, even within the Republican Party, but said the senator never wavered.
"He didn't see it as controversial at all," Scott said. "He saw it as the right thing to do."
With politicians already discussing Graham's vacant Senate seat, Scott urged patience.
"Take a breath," he said. "Let's take a couple of days and celebrate the life, the legacy and frankly the accomplishment of Lindsey Graham ... Let's mourn with those who are mourning."
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