Former U.S. Senator And Republican Presidential Candidate Fred Thompson Dies At 73 After Recurrence Of Lymphoma
Former US senator for Tennessee, GOP presidential hopeful and actor Fred Thompson passed away on Sunday after a recurrence of lymphoma or the cancer of the lymph nodes, according to the statement released by his family.
The 73-year-old senator was first diagnosed with the disease back in 2004 but only disclosed his diagnosis after three years. The Tennessean forecasted Nov. 5 that the late Thompson recently bought a house in Nashville where he died surrounded by his loved ones.
"It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of grief that we share the passing of our brother, husband, father, and grandfather who died peacefully in Nashville surrounded by his family," the Thompson family said in a dispatch.
"Fred once said that the experiences he had growing up in small-town Tennessee formed the prism through which he viewed the world and shaped the way he dealt with life. Fred stood on principle and common sense, and had a deep love for and connection with the people across Tennessee whom he had the privilege to serve in the United States Senate."
"He enjoyed a hearty laugh, a strong handshake, a good cigar, and a healthy dose of humility. Fred was the same man on the floor of the Senate, the movie studio, or the town square of Lawrenceburg, his home."
Thompson entered the US Senate in 1994 after he won a special election. Aside from that, he reportedly campaigned temporarily for the presidential bid in 2008, as reported by CNN.
He was also an actor who started his acting career in 1985 for the film entitled "Marie." Thompson also appeared in the television series "Law and Order."
People, who have known Thompson as a politician, an actor and as a friend, expressed their sorrow for the passing of their colleague.
"Fred was a sweet, funny and fiercely intelligent guy with a gentle heart. A bear of a man who was warm and considerate towards all those around him," director Renny Harlin said.
"Tennessee has lost a great statesman and one of her favorite sons. Crissy and I have always appreciated his friendship, and we will miss him," Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said.
"Fred never forgot where he came from, and our state and country miss his common-sense approach to public service. I greatly appreciated his friendship and am saddened to learn of his passing," US Sen. Bob Corker stated.