President Donald Trump announced on Monday his recommendation for Darline Graham Nordone to be appointed as the interim U.S. senator from South Carolina. Trump suggested to Governor Henry McMaster that Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, take on the role. He shared his thoughts on Truth Social, stating, “I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
This endorsement propelled Nordone into discussions about who should fill the vacancy left by Graham’s passing at age 71. McMaster has the power to appoint an interim senator before a special election, though he hasn’t disclosed his choice.
Who is Darline Graham Nordone?
Lindsey Graham is survived by his younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, who was known for being his closest family member. Graham never married or had children, often referring to the strong connection with his sister.
Raised in Central, South Carolina, Nordone and Graham grew up with parents Millie and F.J. Graham, who ran the Sanitary Cafe, combining a restaurant, bar, and pool hall. The family lived simply, occupying a room behind the cafe.
Tragedy struck when their mother died of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1976. A short time later, their father succumbed to a heart attack, leaving Graham, then a college student, to care for his teenage sister. As noted by the Post and Courier, Graham took legal guardianship of Nordone after enlisting in the Air Force, enabling her to access military benefits. He helped raise her until adulthood.
During Graham’s 2015 presidential bid, Nordone appeared at his events, offering insights into his personal life. She reflected, “Lindsey was always my parent,” highlighting his role following their parents’ deaths.
A mother of two, Nordone has dedicated her career to aiding individuals with disabilities in finding employment and remained a vital presence throughout Graham’s political career.
Cause of Lindsey Graham’s Death
The Office of the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia identified aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the potential cause of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death. Officials stated that these findings are preliminary and the death certificate awaits additional testing.
Initial statements from his office mentioned a “brief and sudden illness,” requesting privacy for his family during this difficult time.
Why Lindsey Graham Never Married
Lindsey Graham chose not to marry or have children, as he discussed in his 2015 memoir, My Story. He attributed it to timing, stating, “I’ve never married. I guess I attribute that to timing.”
Nordone recounted during Graham’s presidential campaign that he essentially paused his life to look after her, saying, “He was a young man taking on a young girl and teenager to raise.” Her comments suggested his focus on her upbringing may have influenced his decision to remain single.
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