Former Senator Bob Dole, 1996 Presidential Candidate, Dead At 98

By Jason Hall

December 5, 2021

Memorial Day Observed At Arlington National Cemetery
Photo: Getty Images

Former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, the Republican nominee for the 1996 presidential election, has died at the age of 98, his family confirmed in a statement on the Dole Foundation's verified Twitter account.

"It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep. At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years. More information coming soon. #RememberingBobDole," the account tweeted.

"“Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep. At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years,” a graphic shared with the tweet stated.

In February, Dole announced he had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

“My first treatment will begin on Monday,” Dole said in a statement shared on social media from official accounts on February 18. “While I certainly have some hurdles ahead, I also know that I join millions of Americans who face significant health challenges of their own.”

The 97-year-old represented Kansas in the U.S. House and Senate for a total of 35 years, before running for president in 1996.

Dole earned two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for his service as an infantry lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1945, the Russell, Kansas native was wounded by German machine gun fire, which limited use of his right arm.

Dole was later promoted from captain to colonel for his World War II service in 2019 and also received Congress' highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, from former President Donald Trump in 2018.

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