Former President George W Bush among those to offer praise, condolences after Cheney's passing

Former President George W. Bush, whose vice president was Dick Cheney, was among the first to offer praise and condolences on the death of Cheney, whose family on Tuesday morning announced his death.

"The death of Richard B. Cheney is a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends," he said in a statement. Former first lady Laura Bush "and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held.

"For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheney's service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Dick's love for America was second only to his family. Laura and I have shared our deepest sympathies with Vice President Cheney's wife Lynne and their daughters and granddaughters of whom he was so deeply proud. We are praying for Lynne, Liz, Mary, and the Cheney family as they honor a great man."

Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., posted on X on Tuesday regarding the former vice president's death, saying, "Dick Cheney was a giant in American politics, and his impact will be felt for decades. My condolences to the Cheney family as we remember the legacy of our 46th Vice President."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourned Cheney's passing in a post on X, saying, “I heard with great sorrow of the passing of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, a great friend and steadfast supporter of the State of Israel. My deepest condolences to his family and to the American people.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Fox News' "Fox & Friends" on Tuesday regarding the former vice president, "Dick Cheney was an extraordinary public servant. You're right, President George W. Bush relied on Dick Cheney for virtually everything, he trusted him deeply.

"And I gotta say, Dick Cheney was someone who, at 34 years old, he was chief of staff to President Gerald Ford, he became secretary of defense under President Bush, 41, and then, of course, vice president under Bush 43. He was a man who was serious, he was a man who was dedicated to keeping this country safe, and he was vice president when 9/11 happened. And the seriousness with which he took that America would defeat radical Islamic terrorists, was extraordinary. He was up early, early every morning, 4, 5 a.m., every morning, and working diligently to keep Americans safe," Cruz continued.

"There are Americans who are alive today because of just how vigorously he pursued our enemies. And my condolences, my prayers are with the entire Cheney family, who are losing their patriarch and losing a public servant who made a real difference."