Ernest Frederick \u201cFritz\u201d Hollings, the charismatic and quick-witted former U.S. senator and South Carolina governor who became one of the state\u2019s most important national political figures, died early Saturday after a period of declining health.<\/p>\n
He was 97.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur father, Fritz Hollings, was dedicated to his family, the United States Senate and the people of South Carolina,\u201d his three surviving children said in a statement. \u201cHe was a hero for us and millions of Americans.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we are heartbroken, we hope that in the coming days and weeks as we celebrate our father\u2019s life, all South Carolinian\u2019s will be reminded of his service to our state and nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a career that spanned more than half a century, Hollings steered South Carolina through the civil rights era, established a program to feed poor pregnant women, enacted legislation to protect the environment and brought home millions of dollars as he also fought to balance the federal budget.<\/p>\n
No recent history of the state could be written without him in it.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n JUST IN: Former SC governor, US Senator Ernest F. ‘Fritz’ Hollings passed away this morning at age 97.<\/p>\n Read more: https:\/\/t.co\/RG5Fyu9Fv8<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Post and Courier (@postandcourier) April 6, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n