Former Sen. Orrin Hatch, of Utah, the longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history, has died, multiple outlets reported Saturday.
Mr. Hatch died in Salt Lake City on Saturday at the age of 88, according to The Associated Press.
“A conservative on most economic and social issues, he nonetheless teamed with Democrats several times during his long career on issues ranging from stem cell research to rights for people with disabilities to expanding children’s health insurance. He also formed friendships across the aisle, particularly with the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy,” the news agency wrote. “He was also noted for his side career as a singer and recording artist of music with themes of his religious faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
The Hatch Foundation released a statement, which was published by CNN, saying: “A man of wisdom, kindness, character, and compassion, Orrin G. Hatch was everything a United States Senator should be. He exemplified a generation of lawmakers brought up on the principles of comity and compromise, and he embodied those principles better than anyone. In a nation divided, Orrin Hatch helped show us a better way by forging meaningful friendships on both sides of the aisle.”
The release did not include a cause of death.
