U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

“Orrin Hatch was a giant of the Senate and a rare statesman. But even more, he was simply a wonderful man to know. Orrin was already an icon by the time I met him. I immediately found him to be one of the most kind, generous, and genuine people in Washington. He would bend over backwards to help you, and he did that for me many times. He was also creative – a prolific songwriter and an accomplished author in his own right. It is hard to express how much he will be missed.

“It was an honor to know Orrin and serve with him in the Senate. Gayle and I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Elaine and their entire family.”