Sen. Lindsey Graham dies suddenly at 71

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of President Trump and a long-time advocate for U.S. military action around the world, died suddenly late Saturday, his office said.

The big picture: Graham's sudden passing deprives countries like Ukraine and Israel of a committed supporter in Congress, as well as a key voice in Trump's ear.

The latest: The D.C. medical examiner's preliminary examination found that Graham died from an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a statement posted by his office on X Sunday afternoon.

Zoom in: "On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," his office said in a statement posted to X. "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."

• President Trump said on "Meet the Press" that he spoke to Graham in the 7 p.m. hour Saturday night, and that he understood police were called to his home sometime around 8 p.m.
• "He sounded a little tired. But perfect. But a little bit tired. He had a right to be. He was a worker. He was really a worker," Trump said, adding that they had discussed meeting Sunday.
• "He was like a member of the family to me. It's very tough actually."

What they're saying: Tributes poured in immediately from Republican leaders and heads of state.

• "He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause," Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) wrote.
• "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
• "We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine's defenders," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote early Sunday. The two had just met in Kyiv on Saturday.

Zoom out: Graham was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 after eight years in the House.

• Before politics he had a lengthy military career as a lawyer in the Air Force, and he remained in the Air Force Reserves while in office until his 2015 retirement as a colonel.

What to watch: Graham was in the middle of running for his fifth Senate term at the time of his passing, a race he was favored to win.

• The New York Times reported Gov. Henry McMaster would appoint a replacement for the rest of Graham's current term, with an election to be held next month to replace him on the ballot this November.
• Potential candidates are already considering the race, including Rep. Nancy Mace.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details throughout.

Herb Scribner, Avery Lotz and Rebecca Falconer contributed reporting.