Former Senator Fred Thompson has died at the age of 73, after battling lymphoma.
Senator Thompson was a Tennessee representative from 1994-2003. He was also an actor with a recurring role on Law and Order, lawyer, lobbyist, columnist and radio host.
Senator Lamar Alexander said, “Very few people can light up the room the way Fred Thompson did. He used his magic as a lawyer, actor, Watergate counsel, and United States senator to become one of our country’s most principled and effective public servants. He was my friend for nearly 50 years. I will miss him greatly. Honey and I and our entire family send our love and sympathy to Jeri and the Thompson family.”
Senator Bob Corker said, “Fred Thompson served the people of Tennessee and America with great honor and distinction. From the courtroom to Capitol Hill to Hollywood, his larger than life personality was infectious and had a way of making all of those around him strive to be better. Through his many different roles in public life, 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. Elizabeth and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Jeri, the Thompson family and all those who were impacted by Fred’s life.”
House Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh said, "Pam and I were sad to learn about the passing of Senator Fred Thompson. From his time as a young attorney on the Watergate Committee to his years in the United States Senate, Fred Thompson leaves behind an honorable legacy of public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family, especially his son Tony, during this difficult time."
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Ryan Haynes said, "The news of Senator Thompson's passing gives me a heavy heart. This is a sad moment for all of us as our state has lost a larger-than-life figure. His quick wit, his hospitality, and his conservative beliefs reflected the best attributes of Tennessee. Senator Thompson was a statesman in every sense of the word. He will be missed as much for his friendship as he will for his leadership."
Senate candidate Larry Crim of Nashville said, "Fred Thompson, as Watergate Counsel saw Washington behind closed doors and tried to open them, as a Tennessee lawyer saw our State Capitol in the shadows and helped bring it into the light, as a U.S. Senate candidate saw folks without a connection and drove across Tennessee to reach them. A talented actor, Fred's role in real life brought light to people, which is why Tennesseans mourn his loss."
Hamilton County GOP Chairman Tony Sanders said, "We wish to add our condolences to the many going out to the Thompson family on the passing of Senator Fred Thompson. Senator Thompson's public career began as the Republican Counsel on the Senate Watergate Committee and his tough questioning of the Presidential aides led to the discovery of the recording devices which ultimately led to the resignation of the President. Whether as a Senator, presidential candidate or an actor, he spent most of his career in the public eye and is generally remembered as being the same person in any of those settings. He will be truly missed by many in our area. Please join me in saying a prayer for his family."