Kansan Bob Dole, former Senate Majority Leader and 1996 presidential candidate, died Sunday morning at age 98, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep,” the Elizabeth Dole Foundation tweeted. “At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years. More information coming soon. #RememberingBobDole”
Dole announced earlier this year that he was being treated for stage 4 lung cancer, which prompted a visit at the time by President Biden to his Washington, D.C., home.
Dole is survived by his wife, former North Carolina GOP Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who is 85.
It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep. At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years. More information coming soon. #RememberingBobDole pic.twitter.com/57NtGfqtmL
— Elizabeth Dole Foundation (@DoleFoundation) December 5, 2021
Dole, a native of Russell, Kansas, overcame life-threatening injuries during World War II to become the leader of the Republican Party. Dole lost the use of his right arm on the battlefield in Italy.
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Despite failing in his quest for the presidency, Dole had an impressive run in politics. He was the top-ranking Republican in the Senate for nearly 11 years; he was President Gerald Ford’s running mate in 1976; and in January 2018, he received a Congressional Gold Medal, making him only the eighth senator to be so honored.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ordered the flags at the U.S. Capitol to fly at half-staff in Dole’s honor.
–Metro Voice staff and wire services