WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – Despite frequent partisan disagreements, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., offered a deeply personal tribute Sunday to her late Republican colleague Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died Saturday at 71 after a brief and sudden illness.

In a lengthy post on X, the Minnesota Democrat described Graham as a friend who “loved his work, his country, and his family.” She recalled his difficult upbringing, his loyalty to causes and colleagues, and his “kid-like exuberance” for Senate duties and international travel.

“It was a shock this morning to find out that my friend Lindsey Graham has died,” Klobuchar wrote, even as the two senators often clashed on policy. She highlighted their occasional bipartisan collaborations on legislation aiding Afghan refugees and addressing big tech accountability, as well as travels abroad with the late Sen. John McCain.

Klobuchar attached two photos to her post: one showing her with Graham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and another with Graham and McCain.

Graham, a longtime foreign policy hawk and close ally of President Donald Trump, had just returned from Ukraine before his death. His office said he died Saturday evening and asked for privacy for his family. Trump and international leaders issued statements mourning the four-term senator, who was seeking re-election this fall.

Klobuchar’s post drew a range of reactions online, reflecting Graham’s polarizing legacy on issues from national security to judicial nominations.