President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE on Thursday mourned the death of former Sen. Thad Cochran William (Thad) Thad CochranEspy wins Mississippi Senate Democratic primary Bottom Line Mike Espy announces Mississippi Senate bid MORE (R-Miss.), praising his values and highlighting his support of the administration's agenda.

"Very sad to hear the news on the passing of my friend, Senator Thad Cochran," Trump tweeted.

"He was a real Senator with incredible values - even flew back to Senate from Mississippi for important Healthcare Vote when he was desperately ill," he added. "Thad never let our Country (or me) down!"

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Very sad to hear the news on the passing of my friend, Senator Thad Cochran. He was a real Senator with incredible values - even flew back to Senate from Mississippi for important Healthcare Vote when he was desperately ill. Thad never let our Country (or me) down! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2019

News of Cochran's death broke while Trump was en route to deliver a commencement address at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Cochran, who served in Congress for more than 45 years, died early Thursday morning at the age of 81.

The longtime senator resigned just over a year ago because of health concerns. He previously served as chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Agriculture committees.

Cochran voted "yes" on a skinny repeal of the Affordable Care Act in 2017, but the measure failed after three Republican senators voted against it.

Later in 2017, Trump asserted that Republicans had the votes needed to move forward with another attempt to repeal ObamaCare, but said that Cochran was "in the hospital." Cochran put out a statement amid the ensuing confusion stating that he was not in the hospital, but recuperating at home.

Cochran's former colleagues celebrated his legacy upon news of his death, commending his character and hailing him as a strong advocate for Mississippi.

"Thad Cochran was a giant in the United States Senate and one of the greatest champions Mississippi has ever known. ... I am grateful and honored to have known him, learned from him, and been his friend. America is a better country because of Thad Cochran," Sen. Roger Wicker Roger Frederick WickerBottom line Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll Shakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' MORE (R-Miss.) said in a statement.