Following the death of Sen. John McCain, tributes have been pouring in from across the globe — touching words, prayers for the war hero’s family, and tweets from senior politicians have been shared far and wide. But one tribute from country music star Brad Paisley has sparked a particularly emotional response.
‘I Love You Forever’: Senator John McCain Passes Away at 81 – Read His Daughter’s Touching Tribute
At his concert in Bristow, Virginia, Paisley was coming to the end of singing his hit song “When I Get Where I’m Going,” when a photo of Senator McCain appeared on the giant screens behind him. Instantly, the entire crowd rose to their feet and broke out into applause.
We lost an American hero today. Thank you for your service to our country, and your bravery, Sen. McCain. #JohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/qFyh03ofpi
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) August 26, 2018
Many concert-goers took footage of the powerful moment.
@BradPaisley such a sweet goodbye to a true American hero. Also this #ArmyMom appreciated your kindness to our troops. pic.twitter.com/XGJYDzOCG0
— Donna Gizzarelli (@jodonna1) August 26, 2018
Other country music stars paid tribute to the veteran and former presidential nominee, with Tim McGraw calling McCain a “true American patriot.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm7G3qeHhK4/?utm_source=ig_embed
McCain passed away August 25 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. McCain will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol on Friday before a funeral service which will take place on Saturday at the Washington National Cathedral.
“Lying in state” is a rare honor bestowed upon a small number of statesmen.
“The nation mourns the loss of a great American patriot, a statesman who put his country first and enriched this institution through many years of service,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement, as reported by CNN. “I appreciate my colleagues and the entire Senate and House family’s assistance with this honor.”
The senator’s daughter, Meghan McCain, took to Twitter shortly after news broke publicly that McCain had passed away, posting a beautiful statement about the relationship she shared with her father:
I love you forever – my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018
Please pray for the McCain family during this difficult time.