Darline Graham Nordone gave no indication Monday whether she would accept an appointment to succeed her late brother in the Senate, saying she was "just kind of like devastated right now" after President Donald Trump urged South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to select her for the seat.

Nordone declined to address the prospect of serving in the Senate when reached by the New York Post, telling the newspaper she was still grieving the loss of Sen. Lindsey Graham.

"Actually, I'm just kind of like devastated right now," she said.

Trump earlier Monday called on McMaster to appoint Graham's younger sister as South Carolina's interim U.S. senator, writing on Truth Social that she would be "a fabulous tribute" to one of his closest allies in Congress and noting the late senator "loved her dearly."

The recommendation quickly drew support from several South Carolina Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., who said Nordone "would be a fantastic pick" to complete the remainder of Graham's term. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., also endorsed Trump's recommendation, telling the Post he has known Nordone for years and believes she would serve the state well.

There has been no public confirmation that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has endorsed Trump's recommendation, despite reports that he has been consulted about the appointment process.

Nordone has never held elected office. After the deaths of their parents, Graham became the legal guardian of his younger sister while serving in the Air Force. She later married, raised two children and worked helping people with disabilities find employment, while Graham often described raising her as one of the proudest accomplishments of his life.

Under South Carolina law, McMaster will appoint an interim senator to serve until a special election determines who will complete the remainder of Graham's term.

Graham died Saturday at age 71 after suffering a ruptured aorta associated with chronic heart disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner. His death ended more than two decades in the Senate, where he became one of Trump's closest allies on judicial confirmations, immigration and foreign policy.