The death of Lindsey Graham on July 11, 2026, marks the end of an era in the United States Senate. While the world knew him as a powerful political force, he was also affectionately nicknamed “The Last Amigo” because of the deep personal bond he shared with his closest friends, John McCain and Joe Lieberman. Learn more about what brought the “Three Amigos” together and what Graham expressed about their bond.
How the Three Amigos First Became Friends
Photo by Bill Clark/Roll Call/Getty Images
For several years, Lindsey Graham was regularly seen in Congress and in public appearances with two other senators, John McCain and Joe Lieberman. The trio’s bond became so pronounced that they became known by a group nickname: the “Three Amigos.”
In January 2013, the three men were interviewed together by Piers Morgan for CNN. During the conversation he was asked for clarification How did they become such close friends? Despite Lieberman sitting on the other side of the political aisle. In response, McCain explained what connected them:
“Respect, affection and traveling together. When you travel together… For many years now, we have been traveling to the most interesting places, maybe not the most fun places. And so, we became friends… We have many similar interests. Similar interests and working together has created a unique friendship over the years.”
In October 2017, Lieberman was interviewed by the Kunhart Film Foundation for a special titled John McCain: For whom the bell tolls. During that discussion, he elaborated When the trio’s nickname “Three Amigos” began And explained how much he values his friendship with Graham and McCain.
“I think it might have been Iraq. Dave Petraeus said, ‘Oh, welcome back to the Three Amigos.’ And then he took a picture of the three of us and him and wrote on it, ‘For three amigos.’ As far as I know, this is how it started. I truly view my relationship with John and Lindsey as one of the great bonuses of the privilege of being a United States Senator.”
Lindsey Graham pays tribute to her two best friends
John McCain became the first of the “Three Amigos”, dying on August 25, 2018, after a battle with cancer. That same day, Graham issued a statement In which he wrote how much he cared for McCain and expressed his condolences to his friend’s family. “America and Freedom have lost one of its greatest champions – and I have lost one of my dearest friends and mentors. I will need some time to absorb this, but I want Cindy – and the entire McCain family – to know that they are in my prayers.”
Later in July 2019, Graham again wrote about his bond with McCain when he introduced a Senate resolution to designate July 17, 2019, as Glioblastoma (GBM) Awareness Day. “Glioblastoma is a devastating brain disease that has taken the lives of two of my very close friends and colleagues, Ted Kennedy and my dearest friend John McCain. This Senate resolution shines a light on this terrible disease.”
When Joe Lieberman died on March 27, 2024, so did Graham issued a statement about the damage. “Just heard about the passing of my dear friend Joe Lieberman. As I leave Israel now, there are a lot of emotions. It’s extremely sad. I feel fortunate to be in his presence, traveling around the world in support of America’s interests as we see it.”
Graham continued, “To Hadassah, I know your heart is broken, but please understand that your vast number of friends love you very much. To the Lieberman family, we will be with you throughout this journey. I look forward to sharing more thoughts about this amazing man and the incredible life he lived. The good news, he is in the hands of the loving God. The bad news, John McCain is alerting them to how bad things are. “Rest in peace. Do it, my dear friend. “From the last amigo.”
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