President Donald Trump announced that he recommended Darline Graham Nordone to serve as an interim U.S. senator for South Carolina. Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was suggested by Trump to Governor Henry McMaster. On Truth Social, Trump stated, “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
The recommendation has brought attention to Nordone as a potential candidate to fill the vacancy left by Senator Graham’s passing at age 71. Governor McMaster has not yet revealed his choice for the interim senator position, which he can appoint before a special election.
Who is Darline Graham Nordone?
Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was considered his closest family member. Graham never married or had children; he often highlighted his strong bond with Nordone. The siblings grew up in Central, South Carolina, where their parents ran a cafe that also served as a bar and pool hall.
Their lives changed drastically when their mother passed away from Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1976. A little over a year later, their father died of a heart attack. Graham, then a college student, became Nordone’s guardian. He joined the Air Force and adopted her, allowing her to receive military benefits and support.
During Graham’s 2015 presidential run, Nordone supported him by appearing at events. She shared insights into his personal life, stating “Lindsey was always my parent,” highlighting the role he played after their parents’ death.
Nordone, a mother of two, has been involved in helping individuals with disabilities secure employment. Throughout Graham’s political career, she maintained a steady presence in his life.
What Did Lindsey Graham Die From?
The preliminary cause of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death was identified as aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to officials in Washington, D.C. The Office of the Medical Examiner stated that these findings are preliminary. Additional testing, including toxicological and microscopic, is pending, and the death certificate remains unissued. Graham’s passing was initially described as resulting from a “brief and sudden illness,” with his family requesting privacy.
Why Did Lindsey Graham Never Marry?
Lindsey Graham never married and had no children. In his memoir “My Story,” he attributed his unmarried status to timing, noting, “I’ve never married. I guess I attribute that to timing.” During his 2015 presidential campaign, Nordone explained that Graham delayed his personal life for her sake. She remarked, “He was a young man taking on a young girl and teenager to raise,” suggesting this commitment played a role in his decision not to marry.