McCain’s family had announced on Friday that he had opted to discontinue treatment for glioblastoma, a particularly deadly cancer.
McCain, a six-term Republican senator from Arizona, was referred to as a maverick for his inclination to, at times, buck his party’s line. McCain served the country for nearly 60 years, including a more than 20-year career in the U.S. Navy."
#BREAKING: Senator John McCain has passed away. pic.twitter.com/hhXGLf0QL6
— Melissa Egan - Tucson News Now (@_MelissaEgan) August 26, 2018
As a young Navy flyer, McCain’s plane was shot down during a 1967 bombing mission over North Vietnam. He was captured and became a prisoner of war in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison camp.
He entered politics in 1982 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He became a senator in 1986 and became a stalwart of conservatism.
He was unsuccessful when he sought the Republican nomination for president in 2000. He got the nomination in 2008; however he lost to Barack Obama.
>>Washington Insider Jamie Dupree: In the halls of Congress, McCain cut a unique political path
Family, friends and politicians on both sides of the aisle shared their condolences.
I love you forever - my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018
My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 26, 2018
My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2018
John McCain was an American hero, a man of decency and honor and a friend of mine. He will be missed not just in the U.S. Senate but by all Americans who respect integrity and independence. Jane and I send our deepest condolences to his family.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 26, 2018
John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family.
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) August 26, 2018
- Sarah Palin and family pic.twitter.com/KRvcIQ99cA
Barack Obama on the passing of John McCain. pic.twitter.com/zd1kCDr5hx
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) August 26, 2018
John McCain was many things – a proud graduate of the Naval Academy, a Senate colleague, a political opponent.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 26, 2018
But, to me, more than anything, John was a friend. He will be missed dearly. pic.twitter.com/AS8YsMLw3d
John McCain was a giant of our time—not just for the things he achieved, but for who he was and what he fought for all his life. He will always be listed among freedom’s most gallant and faithful servants.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 26, 2018
In the halls of Congress, Sen John McCain R-AZ cut a unique political path that earned him the scorn of both parties https://t.co/ts8qH5SCBM pic.twitter.com/1OvOvGUQbe
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) August 26, 2018
I will need some time to absorb this, but I want Cindy —and the entire McCain family — to know they are in my prayers.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 26, 2018
.@SenJohnMcCain lived a life of service to his country, from his heroism in the Navy to 35 years in Congress. He was a tough politician, a trusted colleague, and there will simply never be another like him. My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy and his entire family.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 26, 2018
John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day. https://t.co/946T7PnG53
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 26, 2018
In a statement former President George W. Bush called McCain “a man of deep conviction.”
“He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom i'll deeply miss,” Bush’s statement read. "Laura I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain."
George W. Bush: “John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order. He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country” pic.twitter.com/Q4bQUUYsC6
— Edward Hardy (@EdwardTHardy) August 26, 2018
Tributes from world leaders also flowed from social media. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called McCain “an American hero and patriot.” Marise Payne, Australia’s new foreign minister, said democracy “has lost a giant.” British Prime Minister Theresa May said it was “an honor” to call McCain a friend of the United Kingdom.
Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 26, 2018
Australia has lost a friend.
— Marise Payne (@MarisePayne) August 26, 2018
America has lost a Patriot.
Democracy has lost a giant. 🇦🇺🇺🇸
Vale Senator John McCain
John McCain was a great statesman, who embodied the idea of service over self. It was an honour to call him a friend of the UK. My deepest sympathies go to his family, and the American people.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) August 26, 2018
Doctors discovered John McCain’s brain tumor after he underwent surgery in July 2017 to remove a blood clot from above his eye. He was previously diagnosed with melanoma in 1993, 2000 and 2002, and underwent treatment each time. Those cancers did not spread, according to John McCain’s doctors.
Glioblastoma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer and the prognosis is often poor, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. The average survival rate for patients with malignant glioblastoma is around 14 months if the person gets treatment. Around 10 percent of patients with the disease live for five years or longer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.