Lindsey Graham's Farewell: The Unexpected Guests and Powerful Tributes

Funeral arrangements have been announced for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, with ceremonies scheduled in both Washington, D.C., and his home state of South Carolina.

The longtime South Carolina Republican, who died on July 11 at the age of 71, will be honored with a series of memorial events recognizing his decades of service. His funeral at Washington National Cathedral is expected to draw a large gathering of political leaders, potential foreign dignitaries and longtime colleagues.

Graham, who served as U.S. senator since 2003, died after suffering a tear in his aorta, according to a preliminary report from the medical examiner. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear forms in the inner wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery, allowing blood to flow between its layers.

Graham's office said he died while surrounded by family members and close friends.

What To Know About the Services

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 28, at 2 p.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral. Although attendance at the cathedral is by invitation only, the service will be livestreamed to the public on the cathedral's website and YouTube channel.

Earlier in the day, Graham's remains will arrive at the U.S. Capitol by an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team, and a U.S. Capitol Police memorial guard will replace them once inside the Rotunda to honor his years of service. That Capitol ceremony will also be available to watch via livestream, according to a press release from his office.

Following the Washington service, Graham's remains will be taken back to South Carolina for additional public tributes on Wednesday, July 29, starting at 10:45 a.m. ET. A procession will stop at the South Carolina State House before continuing to First Baptist Church of Columbia for a public funeral service. The ceremonies will conclude with a private family burial in Pickens County, where Graham spent much of his early life.

Doors open at 10 a.m. ET at the First Baptist Church, and the service is expected to begin at noon.

Graham's sister and successor in the Senate, Darline Graham, said the family is grateful for the support received in organizing the ceremonies, thanking the White House, Senate officials and Washington National Cathedral for helping coordinate the tributes, according to the release.

“I am grateful to all those who have come together to help honor and remember Lindsey. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Trump and his team, Washington National Cathedral, Senate leadership, First Baptist Church of Columbia and the Senate Sergeant at Arms for going above and beyond to ensure these will be honorable tributes to Lindsey,” she said.

Who Is Attending?

Several high-profile guests are reportedly expected to attend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are planning to attend the funeral, CNBC reports, reflecting Graham's longstanding relationships with both leaders and his prominent role in U.S. foreign policy.

When asked about the foreign leaders reportedly attending the services, a White House official told Newsweek that Trump is set to welcome both Zelensky and Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday. Trump is expected to discuss ongoing peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine with Zelensky, while his meeting with Netanyahu will focus on Iran, progress with the trilateral framework in Lebanon, and expanding the Abraham Accords, the official said.

Who Is Speaking?

Among the confirmed speakers is President Donald Trump, who will deliver a tribute during the Washington funeral service, ceremony details obtained by Newsweek show.

Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and the late senator's niece, Emillie Boggs Roberts, are also scheduled to deliver tributes.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas