Local Politicians React to the Passing of Former SC Governor, U.S. Senator Ernest F. ‘Fritz’ Hollings

Two local politicians have reacted to the passing of former SC governor and U.S. Senator Ernest F. “Fritz” Hollings. You can see their statements below.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement, on the passing of :

“Fritz Hollings was truly a man in full – a history-making governor, a titan of the US Senate, and a peerless friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Our state and nation have lost a real giant.

It’s been my great honor to know Fritz Hollings all my life. My grandfather helped Fritz with his first Statehouse race in 1948. My father continued that work on later campaigns. And when, fifty years after his first election, Fritz asked me to help with his final Senate race in 1998, I was happy to carry on that family tradition. As I’ve said before, Fritz made so much history over so many years it took three generations of Tecklenburgs to support just one generation of Hollings.

But there was another side to Fritz, a private side, and that’s the one I find myself thinking most about today. For Fritz wasn’t just a distinguished governor and senator — he was also the leading man in one of the great romances of our age.

For more than forty years, Fritz and Peatsy Hollings loved each other completely and without reservation. Separately, they were smart and funny and formidable; together, they were magic. And when it became clear that Peatsy would be the first to move from this world to the next, Fritz responded with a manner and measure of tenderness that surprised even those who knew him best, and that none who witnessed it will ever forget.

Which is why, as sad as this day is, we can all take comfort in the fact that Fritz and Peatsy are back where they belong — together, sharing a laugh, and making their own special kind of magic forever.”

Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement:

“Today, we lost the most transformational leader our state has ever seen. From his service as a soldier in World War II, a state legislator, Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and U.S. Senator, Fritz Hollings was a true statesman who exemplified character, courage, integrity, and honor. We are all better off because of his life and service to our nation, state and the Lowcountry. Amanda and I send our sincerest condolences to the Hollings family and all who knew him. It is a blessing to know he and his beloved Peatsy are finally together again, forever.”

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