COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 8 (UPI) — John Herschel Glenn, Jr., one of the most prominent astronauts in American history and a four-term U.S. senator from Ohio, died Thursday at a hospital in Columbus, his family said. He was 95.

Glenn was admitted to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center last week and spent several days undergoing treatment. He died Thursday afternoon.

“John Glenn is, and always will be, Ohio’s ultimate hometown hero, and his passing today is an occasion for all of us to grieve,” Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich said. “As we bow our heads and share our grief with his beloved wife, Annie, we must also turn to the skies, to salute his remarkable journeys and his long years of service to our state and nation.