Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards Dies At 93

Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards passed away peacefully on Monday (July 12) surrounded by family and friends. He was 93 years old.

Edwards passed away around 7 a.m. from respiratory problems he had been dealing with over the last few years, WAFB reports. He had placed himself in hospice care last Monday (July 5) after complaining about a pain in his right lung. Several tests performed by doctors at a local hospital revealed nothing out of the ordinary.

Edwards was the longest-serving governor in state history, spending four terms in office, from 1972-1980, 1984-1988 and 1992-1996.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a statement Monday following news of the former governor's passing.

"Few people have made such an indelible mark on our state as Governor Edwin Edwards. At just 17, he joined the Navy during World War II, beginning a lifetime of service to his state and country," said Gov. Edwards.

He continued, "He represented Louisiana's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives and served as the state's only four-term governor, leading Louisiana through pivotal years of growth including launching efforts to create the state's current constitution. Gov. Edwards was a fervent supporter of civil rights and ensured that his administration was as diverse as Louisiana, a commitment I have also made as governor."

"Edwin was a larger than life figure known for his wit and charm, but he will be equally remembered for being a compassionate leader who cared for the plight of all Louisianans. Our state has lost a giant, and we will miss him dearly," said Gov. Edwards. "[First Lady Donna Edwards] and I send out deepest condolences to his wife, Trina, family and all who were blessed to call him a friend and ask everyone to join us in praying for God to comfort them during this time."

Leo Honeycutt, a family spokesman, said some of Edwards' last words reflected on his life, WVUE reports.

"I have lived a good life, had better breaks than most, had some bad breaks, too, but that's all part of it," he said, per Honeycutt. "I tried to help as many people as I could and I hope I did that, and I hope, if I did, that they will help others, too. I love Louisiana and I always will."