Former U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman Dies At Age 82: Reports

STAMFORD, CT — Former U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, 82, died Wednesday due to "complications from a fall" while in New York City, according to a statement from his family, which was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter by Jake Tapper of CNN.

"His beloved wife, Hadassah, and members of his family were with him as he passed. Senator Lieberman's love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest," the family said in a statement.

Lieberman's funeral will be held on Friday, March 29 at Congregation Agudath Sholom in his hometown of Stamford, according to the family.

"Connecticut is shocked by Senator Lieberman’s sudden passing. In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. One of one. He fought and won for what he believed was right and for the state he adored. My thoughts are with Hadassah and the entire family," U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Lieberman served 24-years in the U.S. Senate, and he was former vice President Al Gore's vice-presidential candidate back in 2000. Politico said Lieberman was the first Jewish American to be picked for a presidential ticket. Lieberman ran an unsuccessful campaign for president in 2004.

Lieberman served in the U.S. Senate from 1989-2013, and he was elected as an Independent Democrat from 2007-2013.

According to his official biography, Lieberman was born in Stamford and attended local public schools there. He is a graduate of Yale University and served in the state senate from 1970-1980 and then as state attorney general from 1983, 1986-88, and then was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988.

Gov. Ned Lamont, who ran against Lieberman for the U.S. Senate race in 2006, said, "Annie and I send our deepest condolences to Hadassah and the Lieberman family on the passing of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman. While the senator and I had our political differences, he was a man of integrity and conviction, so our debate about the Iraq War was serious. I believe we agreed to disagree from a position of principal. When the race was over, we stayed in touch as friends in the best traditions of American democracy. He will be missed."

Lieberman defeated Lamont in the U.S. Senate general election race, running as a third party candidate. Lieberman had initially lost the Democratic primary to Lamont.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that "Joe was dedicated to family & faith, & he was a role model of public service. He never ceased listening to both friends & adversaries. He leaves an enduring legacy as a fighter for consumers, environmental values, civil rights, & other great causes of our time. Joe was tireless in working for Connecticut no matter how far or high he went. Cynthia & I are with his family in heart & prayer at this difficult time."

Former President George W. Bush said in a statement that "Laura and I are saddened by the loss of Joe Lieberman. Joe was as fine an American as they come and one of the most decent people I met during my time in Washington. As a Democrat, Joe wasn't afraid to engage with Senators from across the aisle and worked hard to earn votes from outside his party. He engaged in serious and thoughtful debate with opposing voices on important issues. And in both loss and victory, Joe Lieberman was always a gentleman. I'm grateful for Joe's principled service to our country and for the dignity and patriotism he brought to public life. As Laura and I pray for Hadassah and the Lieberman family, we also pray that Joe's example of decency guides our Nation's leaders now and into the future."

Former President Barack Obama said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that "Joe Lieberman and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but he had an extraordinary career in public service, including four decades spent fighting for the people of Connecticut. He also worked hard to repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and helped us pass the Affordable Care Act. In both cases the politics were difficult, but he stuck to his principles because he knew it was the right thing to do. Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to Hadassah and the Lieberman family."

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said, "we mourn the loss of one of Connecticut’s political icons."

"Across decades – as a state senator, Connecticut attorney general, and U.S. senator – Joe Lieberman shaped policies that bettered the lives of residents in our state and across the nation," Bysiewicz said in a statement. "I greatly admired his dedication, and it was his book, The Power Broker, which inspired me to write my own biography of Governor Ella Grasso. Joe was there to impact critical policies during some of the most pivotal moments in our recent history, whether casting the deciding vote to pass the Affordable Care Act, landmark legislation that has provided more than 21 million Americans access to quality, affordable health care, or introducing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. In a post 9/11 era, Joe led legislation that led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security – an effort that is still keeping us safe today. My heart goes out to Joe’s family and all who loved him. He will be greatly missed.”

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons also issued a statement Wednesday evening, calling Lieberman "a proud son of Stamford" and a "trailblazer" in U.S. politics.

"Throughout his career, he was not only principled in his values, but he exhibited the very best of civility and bipartisanship in politics, always putting the American people first," Simmons said. "His commitment to service is a model for us all and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lieberman family, including his wife Hadassah and their children, during this difficult time.”

The Connecticut GOP released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating "Chairman Ben Proto and the entire Connecticut Republican Party offers their condolences on the passing of Senator Lieberman. Senator Lieberman was a public servant who cared deeply for Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Hadassah and their family."

Former GOP presidential candidate Steve Forbes said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that this is a "Sad, sad moment…Joe Lieberman’s courageous statesmanship and profound national security expertise will be greatly missed—especially in this increasingly dangerous world. He was an exemplary public servant! Our deepest sympathies to his family."

State Attorney General William Tong said, “No one meant more to me in my choice to pursue public service than Joe Lieberman. And no one encouraged me more than he did. I first met him when he was Attorney General, and I was a 15-year-old campaign volunteer for his 1988 U.S. Senate race.

"He was principled and tough, but also incredibly warm and kind, and deeply dedicated to Connecticut and his hometown of Stamford," Tong added in a statement. "He has been a mentor and an inspiration throughout my career. I will never forget the moment, on the day I took office as Attorney General, that he called to tell me how proud he was. I would not be Attorney General today if not for his support and the many kindnesses he showed me over the years. It is a profound honor to walk by his portrait every time I step into my office. This is a heartbreaking shock, and a loss to us all. I send peace and love to Hadassah and all of his kids, Matthew, Becca, Hani and Ethan.”