Former U.S. Senator and two-term Democratic Florida Governor Bob Graham has died at the age of 87, his family confirmed in a statement posted by his daughter, Gwen, on her X account Tuesday (April 16).
“We are deeply saddened to report the passing of a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and even more importantly, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” the Graham family said.
“Bob Graham devoted his life to the betterment of the world around him,” the statement added.
Graham worked as a public servant representing Florida for nearly four decades, which included initially being elected in the state legislature in 1970, twice as governor in 1978 and 1982 and as a U.S. senator in 1986, holding office until 2005. The Coral Gables native also ran for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, but dropped out prior to the first primaries and retired from Senate upon the conclusion of his term.
“He was a rare collection of public accomplishments and personal traits that combined to make him unforgettable. As his family, we will never forget his love for us, the love he had for Florida, the United States, and the world, and the love so many people showed him. We thank God for the gift of his life,” the family’s statement said.