Political world reacts to Orrin Hatch's death: 'A truly great man'

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Life and legacy of Sen. Orrin Hatch

Congressional correspondent Chad Pergram dives into the life and legacy of former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, who recently passed away at age 88.

Reactions to the death of longtime United States Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, who was the longest serving senator in Utah history, poured in on Saturday night.

"Sad to learn of the passing of my friend Orrin Hatch /I worked closely w Senator Hatch for 40yrs on the judic cmte +20 yrs on Finance cmte we had a very good friendship he has contributed so much to public policy& for the ppl of Utah Barbara & I send our sympathies to his family," Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley tweeted.

ORRIN HATCH, LONGTIME UTAH REPUBLICAN SENATOR, DEAD AT 88

April 23, 2016: Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, speaks during the Utah Republican Party 2016 nominating convention in Salt Lake City. (AP)

"Devastated to learn of the loss of Sen. Orrin Hatch. He was a cherished friend," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tweeted. "I met my husband while he worked for the Senator. We will miss him dearly. He was a statesman that represented the best our country has to offer. Please pray for his family."

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"A truly great man and public servant," former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee posted on Twitter. "This was very sad news."

In this Feb. 11 photo, Sen. Orrin Hatch speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington. (AP)

"So sad to hear of the death of Orrin Hatch," former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake tweeted. "His ability to reach across the aisle defined his career and his character. He will be missed."

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Robert Garff, left, greets U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, during the UTGOP election night party in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.  (Ravell Call/The Deseret News via AP)

Utah Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican, posted a lengthy statement on Hatch's passing calling him a "pillar in Utah" and a "brilliant mind."

Hatch's foundation announced his death on Saturday night and said that he died surrounded by his family.

The press release did not specify a cause of death.

Hatch is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their six children.