By Newspot Nigeria Editorial Desk
Former U.S. Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney, describing him as a mentor, patriot, and a steadfast defender of American values.
In an emotional statement, Rice reflected on her close working relationship with Cheney during two pivotal periods in U.S. history — first, when Cheney served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush at the end of the Cold War, and later during his tenure as Vice President in the administration of President George W. Bush, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
“I admired Vice President Cheney for his integrity and his love of our country,” Rice said. “He helped to chart a course to protect America after the dark days of 9/11. He was an inspiring presence and mentor who taught me a great deal about public service.”
Rice described Cheney as a man of “toughness” who remained “indefatigable in his determination to defend this country and patriotic to his core.”
She also highlighted Cheney’s personal character, noting his humor, warmth, and devotion to family.
“Most of all, I will remember Dick Cheney as a mentor and a friend… He was a great family man, and I know that his family will miss him immeasurably.”
Rice extended her condolences to Cheney’s wife, Lynn, and daughters Liz and Mary, along with the extended Cheney family, adding that the late statesman’s legacy would endure through all who served with him and were influenced by his leadership.
Cheney, who served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009, remains one of the most consequential and debated figures in modern American politics, widely recognized for his role in shaping U.S. defense and national security policy during the War on Terror.
—Published by Newspot Nigeria.
