As information of the demise of longtime GOP Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah unfold Saturday night, condolences and tributes poured in from throughout the political world.

Hatch, 88, died at 5:30 p.m. in Salt Lake Metropolis surrounded by his household, introduced by the Hatch Basis.

Former President Donald Trump issued an announcement extending his condolences, shared by Jenna Ellis on Twitter.

"Orrin was a real warrior for our Nation, for liberty, and for his beloved state of Utah," Trump stated. "He was as sensible as he was variety, and as robust as he was good–he liked America and his contributions to our Nation had been super. His legacy will certainly reside on via the various lives he impacted. Might God bless Orrin Hatch."

Orrin Hatch Medal of Freedom
Politicians and leaders are paying tribute to former Senator Orrin Hatch, who handed away Saturday at age 88. Above, President Donald Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hatch on the White Home in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 16, 2018. SAUL LOEB/AFP through GETTY IMAGES

Former Vice President Mike Pence stated he and spouse Karen "had been saddened" to listen to of his demise, calling him "a real statesman who represented the very best of UT & America. Because the longest serving Republican Senator in historical past, he devoted many years of his life to public service & we'll at all times be pleased about his management," Pence wrote on Twitter.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, described Hatch as "variety."

"Senator Hatch was variety to me and we labored collectively nicely," she wrote on Twitter. "There have been quite a lot of variations together with social gathering, top, age...you title it...however by some means we at all times seemed for frequent floor. Prayers for his household at the moment."

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa stated he was additionally saddened on the information.

"Unhappy to be taught of the passing of my good friend Orrin Hatch /I labored carefully w Senator Hatch for 40yrs on the judic cmte +20 yrs on Finance cmte we had an excellent friendship he has contributed a lot to public coverage& for the ppl of Utah Barbara & I ship our sympathies to his household."

"His potential to succeed in throughout the aisle outlined his profession and his character," stated Jeff Flake, U.S. ambassador to Turkey, on Twitter. "He will probably be missed."

"One of many first politicians to take day trip of their busy schedules to hearken to some child about Faculty Security... Relaxation In Peace Orrin Hatch," stated college security advocate JT Lewis on Twitter.

U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess, MD, of Texas, known as Hatch "a champion for the American taxpayer" on Twitter.

"I am saddened to be taught of the passing of Senator Orrin Hatch. A champion for the American taxpayer, Senator Hatch fought for fiscal duty. My ideas are with Elaine and their beloved household. #RIP."

The muse didn't present a explanation for demise.