U.S. Sen. Katie Britt honored her “dear friend” Lindsey Graham on Tuesday as funeral services began for the late South Carolina senator in Washington.

“Today, we begin to lay to rest my dear friend and one of America’s very best,” Britt (R-Montgomery) wrote on social media.

“Grateful for his sacrifice and years of service. We are all better for having known Lindsey and we miss him immensely already.”

Today, we begin to lay to rest my dear friend and one of America’s very best.

Grateful for his sacrifice and years of service. We are all better for having known Lindsey and we miss him immensely already. pic.twitter.com/2pfApwhjm9

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 28, 2026

Graham was honored with an arrival ceremony at the U.S. Capitol before a funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. His remains will return to South Carolina for additional services Wednesday in Columbia and Pickens County.

Britt has repeatedly spoken about the personal friendship she and her family shared with Graham.

Following his death, she called Graham “a true and dear friend” who welcomed her into the Senate and made time for her family. She said his combination of intelligence, political skill and humor helped bring levity to difficult moments.

Britt later attended the swearing-in of Graham’s sister, Darline, who was appointed to complete his Senate term. Britt said Graham would have been proud of his sister for accepting the responsibility.

She is also helping lead a bipartisan group of 62 senators behind the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, legislation Graham considered one of his most consequential final priorities.

The South Carolina services will conclude with a private family burial Wednesday.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].