Funeral Arrangements for Late Senator Lindsey Graham

Funeral plans for the late Senator Lindsey Graham have been set, with events happening in Washington, D.C., and his home state of South Carolina. The Senator from South Carolina passed away on July 11 at 71 years old, and will be remembered through a series of ceremonies honoring his long service.

Memorial Events

In Washington, a funeral service at Washington National Cathedral will gather political leaders and foreign dignitaries. Graham served as a U.S. senator since 2003, and died due to a tear in his aorta, as reported by the medical examiner’s office. An aortic dissection involves a tear in the inner wall of the body’s largest artery, allowing blood to flow between layers. He died surrounded by family and close friends.

Service Details

The funeral service is planned for Tuesday, July 28, at 2 p.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral.

Attendance at the cathedral is invitation-only, but a livestream will be available on the cathedral’s website and YouTube. Earlier, Graham’s remains will be brought to the U.S. Capitol by an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team. Once inside the Rotunda, a U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard will honor his service. This Capitol ceremony will also be livestreamed.

After the Washington services, Graham’s remains return to South Carolina. Starting on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:45 a.m. ET, public tributes begin. The procession will stop at the South Carolina State House before reaching First Baptist Church of Columbia for the funeral service. Ceremonies end with a private family burial in Pickens County, where Graham grew up. First Baptist Church opens its doors at 10 a.m. ET, with the service at noon.

Family and Coordination

Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, who is succeeding him in the Senate, expressed the family’s gratitude for the support received. She thanked the White House, Senate officials, and Washington National Cathedral for helping with arrangements, acknowledging the efforts of those involved in coordinating the tributes.

Notable Attendees

High-profile guests are expected, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. CNBC noted their attendance as indicative of Graham’s strong ties and role in U.S. foreign policy.

A White House official shared with Newsweek that President Trump will meet Zelensky and Netanyahu at the White House Tuesday. Discussions with Zelensky will cover peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine. Meetings with Netanyahu will address Iran, the trilateral framework in Lebanon, and the Abraham Accords.

Speakers

President Donald Trump will speak at the Washington funeral service, according to Newsweek details. Tributes will also be delivered by Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and Emillie Boggs Roberts, Graham’s niece.