Bob Graham, Ex-FL Governor And U.S. Senator, Dies At 87

FLORIDA ? Bob Graham, a former Florida governor and a three-term U.S. senator, died Tuesday night of an unknown cause, his family said on X. He was 87.

"We are deeply saddened to report the passing of a visionary leader, dedicated public servant and even more importantly, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bob Graham," the family said in its statement.

The University of Florida Bob Graham Center, Graham's namesake, also shared news of his death on X. The center compiled Graham's life in photos.

"The Bob Graham Center community is deeply saddened by the death of our beloved founder, former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. We honor his historic legacy and life of service," the center said in a post late Tuesday night.

Graham, originally from Coral Gables, was born in 1936 to a dairy farmer and cattle rancher, according to his biography. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree and from Harvard University with a law degree in 1962.

He served as Florida's 38th governor from 1979-1987. He had previously served as a state senator and a state representative. He then went on to become a U.S. senator in 1986, being reelected in 1992 and 1998.

Graham faced an influx of Haitian and Cuban refugees during his first term as governor, as well as the Miami riots, according to his biography.

"As a legislator, Florida's 38th governor and a United States senator, Bob Graham devoted his life to the betterment of the world around him. The memorials to that devotion are everywhere - from the Everglades and other natural treasures he was determined to preserve, to the colleges and universities he championed with his commitment to higher education, to the global understanding he helped to foster through his work with the intelligence community, and so many more," his family wrote.

"While he valued his opportunities to represent others in public office, the jobs Bob Graham most loved were those he spent working alongside everyday Floridians. His more than 400 workdays, in occupations ranging from construction to farming to hospitality, created wonderful friendships across the state and forever changed his perspective on Florida and his approach to public service."

Graham formerly taught citizenship at a Miami-Dade County high school, his family said.

Although he has held multiple titles in his life, his family said his favorite was "Doodle," a nickname he was given by his grandchildren.

"'When I'm really good, they call me Super Doodle,' he liked to say. For 87 years, Bob Graham was so much more than really good. He was a rare collection of public accomplishments and personal traits that combined to make him unforgettable. As his family, we will never forget his love for us, the love he had for Florida, the United States and the world, and the love so many people showed him. We thank God for the gift of his life," his family wrote.

After news broke of Graham's death, tributes began pouring in online.

Current Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called Graham "a devoted public servant."

"My prayers are with Bob Graham?s family," Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said on X alongside a photo of Graham. "He changed countless lives for the better as a legislator, governor of Florida and U.S. Senator. He epitomized what it means to be a public servant. May we all follow his example and find our own ways to serve each other."

Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed sentiments that the love was mutual between Graham and those he served in Florida.

The University of Florida shared thoughts on Graham's legacy.

"Bob Graham was devoted to the betterment of the world around him. His life of leadership will continue to train and shape the next generation of leaders," the university said.

U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who worked with Graham when he served as chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said he was a patriotic American.

"He brought his love for his family and for his state of Florida to the Senate, where he served with immense dignity and courage," Pelosi said in a statement.

Funeral details for Graham have not yet been revealed.