Former U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson died Sunday morning at the age of 76, two years after stepping down from Congress and a career that earned him a reputation as a bridge-builder and statesman. Here is a roundup of tributes from leaders across Georgia and in the nation’s capital.
President Joe Biden:
“Senator Isakson was a colleague and a friend. We served together on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, traveled together, and found common ground built on mutual respect for each other and the institutions that govern our nation. Johnny was a proud Republican, but he put country before party, and valued building consensus over political combat. I always loved Johnny’s description of the only division he saw as between ‘friends and future friends.’”
Gov. Brian Kemp:
“Georgia has lost a giant, one of its greatest statesmen, and a servant leader dedicated to making his state and country better than he found it. Johnny Isakson personified what it means to be a Georgian. Johnny was also a dear friend to Marty, the girls, and me — as he was to so many. He answered the call to public service many times over his career as a state legislator, minority leader in the Georgia House, chair of the State Board of Education, Congressman, and finally as Senator.”
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock:
“I enjoyed spending time with Senator Isakson, including every year when he would come join Ebenezer Baptist Church for our annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And, I will always cherish the words of advice and encouragement he gave me after I was elected to be one of Georgia’s next United States Senators. ... We’re all better for Senator Isakson’s many decades of service, and it is an honor to serve in the seat he once held. He was an upstanding elected official, and an even better man.”
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff:
“Senator Isakson was a statesman who served Georgia with honor. He put his state and his country ahead of self and party, and his great legacy endures. Alisha and I will keep Dianne and the Isakson family in our prayers.”
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms:
“A true statesman with a servant’s heart, he was always attentive to the needs of our communities. While our state has lost a man of honor, he leaves an indelible example of servant leadership, we should all work to emulate.”
Stacey Abrams, Democratic candidate for governor:
“U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson served the whole of Georgia with attention and fairness. With every interaction, my respect for him grew and never wavered. Though we held different ideologies, I was honored to call him friend. God’s peace to his family, loved ones and friends.”
Former Gov. Nathan Deal:
“Senator Johnny Isakson was a public servant who took his responsibility to the public very seriously! He was a personal friend that I could always count on to put righteousness about politics. He was a refreshing voice of reason!”
Former U.S. Sen. David Perdue:
“Bonnie and I are heartbroken by the passing of former U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. Johnny was an effective colleague, a mentor I looked up to, and a friend whom I deeply cherished. From serving in the Air National Guard, to fighting for Georgians in the United States Senate, Johnny’s entire life revolved around service. He always put others before himself. The last few years have not been easy for Johnny, but he responded to every obstacle with stalwart resilience. His dry wit and kind heart will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston:
“We mourn the passing of Senator Johnny Isakson, a favorite son of this state, a good and decent man, and a mentor and dear friend of mine. A veteran, businessman, legislator, congressman, and senator, he spent his life devoted to building this state up — to making the future brighter for Georgia and those who call it home. He was truly a statesman.”
Jere W. Morehead, University of Georgia president:
“Johnny Isakson will be remembered as a true statesman and a dedicated public servant who made a positive and lasting impact on our state, nation, and world. He also was a loyal Georgia Bulldog who made all of us proud to be fellow graduates of the University of Georgia. We will continue to honor his life and memory through our work to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease through the John H. ‘Johnny’ Isakson Chair for Parkinson’s Research.”
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler:
“I am proud to call Senator Isakson a mentor. Last year, I had the honor to watch as he and the late Congressman John Lewis embraced on the House Floor. I will not soon forget that moment, as two of the greatest voices for freedom in our generation, both from Georgia, proved yet again that respect knows no political party.”
U.S. Rep. Rick Allen, R-Evans:
“Johnny Isakson was the epitome of a statesman and respected by all who knew him. He was able to achieve so much throughout his career because he always put the interests of Georgians first and never backed down in his pursuit to deliver results. Our state, and nation, are better off because of his leadership, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy as a champion for Georgia.”
U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-West Point:
“The state of Georgia lost a true titan today. For decades, Johnny Isakson faithfully served our nation & will always be remembered as a compassionate, honest, & bridge-building public servant.”
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia:
“I join all Georgians today in mourning the loss of Senator Johnny Isakson, a true statesman who loved Georgia and represented our state with integrity and honor. Senator Isakson embodied the best of public service, and his commitment to respect, cooperation, and bipartisanship leaves a long-lasting legacy in Georgia and nationwide. He will be sorely missed.”
Former U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss:
“U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson will go down in history as one of the greatest senators from Georgia. Many will remember Johnny for his statesmanship and his many legislative accomplishments, but I will remember him as simply my best friend. We met at the University of Georgia 59 years ago and had the pleasure of serving in Congress together for 16 years. We were friends early on but grew to be best friends while working closely together on behalf of our state and our country.”
Herschel Walker, U.S. Senate candidate:
“We are so sad to hear of the passing of Senator Isakson. Johnny was a leader, a statesman, a husband, a father, and a great Georgian. He made our state and country so proud!”
Vernon Jones, candidate for governor:
“One of Georgia’s tallest pines has fallen. I had the honor of serving with Senator Johnny Isakson during my time in the state legislature. Few loved the state of Georgia as much as him and have served our state more honorably.”
Among tributes shared by Isakson’s former colleagues in the U.S. Senate:
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell:
“Johnny was one of my very best friends in the Senate. But the amazing thing about him was that at any given time, approximately 98 other Senators felt the same way. His infectious warmth and charisma, his generosity, and his integrity made Johnny one of the most admired and beloved people in the Capitol.”
U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah:
“Heavy heart learning that Johnny Isakson has died. No one welcomed me to the Senate like he did; no one better demonstrated integrity, honesty & kindness. The loss will be felt by the people he served, the veterans he championed & the nation he loved. Rest well, my good friend.”
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia:
“Senator Isakson was one of the most decent human beings I ever had the pleasure of knowing. His career was one of public service, not self service. Georgia has lost a favorite son and our country has lost a true patriot. My heart is with his family and everyone who loved him.”
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri:
“Johnny Isakson liked to help people and liked to get things done. I was always impressed by his habit of often addressing groups he was speaking to as, ‘my friends and future friends.’ He was a skilled politician, a great public servant, and a great friend.”
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