Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday mourned the loss of former Vice President Dick Cheney, whom she lauded as an “inspiring presence.”
“I admired Vice President Cheney for his integrity and his love of our country. I am grateful that I had the chance to serve with him twice — when he was Secretary of Defense for President George H.W. Bush at the end of the Cold War — a triumphant time for America and its values,” Rice wrote in a statement on the social platform X.
“And then when as Vice President, he helped to chart a course to protect America after the dark days of 9/11. He was an inspiring presence and mentor who taught me a great deal about public service,” she added.
Cheney died at the age of 84 due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. His wife Lynne and two daughters, Liz and Mary, were with him as he passed.
Many former administration officials shared condolences for the Cheney family following the announcement of his death. Rice served as secretary of State under former President George W. Bush, when Cheney was vice president.
“Most of all, I will remember Dick Cheney as a mentor and a friend. I will remember his toughness but also his sense of humor. He was indefatigable in his determination to defend this country and patriotic to his core,” she added in her statement.
“To Lynn, Liz and Mary and all of the members of the Cheney family I send my condolences. He was a great family man, and I know that you will miss him immeasurably.”
