LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Politicians nationwide offered condolences and shared their fondest memories with former Arkansas governor and U.S. Sen. David Pryor, who died at 89 on Saturday of natural causes in Little Rock.
Pryor, a Democrat, was one of the state's most beloved political figures and remained active in public service in Arkansas long after he left office in 1997.
He was considered one of the party's giants in Arkansas, alongside former President Bill Clinton and the late U.S. Sen. Dale Bumpers. Pryor also served in the U.S. House and the Arkansas Legislature and recently remained active in public life, including being appointed to the University of Arkansas's Board of Trustees in 2009. He also attended the inauguration of Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in January 2023.
His son, Mark Pryor, announced his father's passing.
“I think he was a great model for public service. He was a great role model for politicians, but just for everyone in how we should treat each other and how we can make Arkansas better,” Mark Pryor, a former two-term Democratic U.S. senator, said.
Reactions:
Former President Bill Clinton:
"Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend David Pryor, one of Arkansas’ greatest servant leaders and one of the finest people I have ever known.
As state representative, U.S. representative, governor, and senator, he fought for progressive policies that helped us put the divided past behind us and move into a brighter future together. He was always one of America’s greatest advocates for the elderly, waging long battles to lower the cost of prescription drugs and to improve nursing homes and in-home care to help more people live in dignity.
David made politics personal—from his famed retail campaigning to his ability to calmly and confidently explain tough votes to his constituents. He was honest, compassionate, and full of common sense. He really loved the people he represented, and they loved him back.
I first met him and Barbara in 1966 when David was running for Congress, and over the next 58 years he would be my mentor, confidant, supporter, and above all, friend. Having him and Dale Bumpers in the senate when I was president was an extraordinary gift. I never felt far from home, and always trusted the unvarnished advice he gave, especially when the going got tough. I’ll also always be grateful that he served as the inaugural dean of the Clinton School of Public Service, where his very presence embodied the nobility and joy of public service.
I will miss David very much, but we can all take comfort in knowing his legacy will live on in the work of the Pryor Center, in the citizen service of his family, and in all those living better lives because of his service. Hillary and I send our love and prayers to Barbara; David, Scott, and Mark; his grandchildren; and all the other people who also loved him."
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders:
“Bryan and I are mourning the death of a dedicated Congressman, Governor, and Senator, David Pryor. His career defied easy definition: a man with deep roots in Ouachita County who reached the heights of influence in Washington; a Solid South Democrat who stood strong against the Faubus machine; the architect of an Arkansas political dynasty who was just as comfortable in a Camden lumber yard as the Cambridge quad.
David Pryor’s charisma and moderate politics made him a force at the ballot box for decades. While the Senator and I came up in different political parties, I, like all Arkansans deeply appreciated his diligent stewardship of Arkansas and our interests during his time in public life. And we can all thank him for his role in burying the divisive racial politics that infected Arkansas government before his tenure.
I was honored that David joined me for my inaugural address and sat on the State House floor for my first address to the legislature. I remember meeting his son, Mark, when he served as Attorney General and I was elected Attorney General of Arkansas Girls State. He was kind and welcoming to me, and I know he learned that from his parents. David’s legacy lives on in Arkansas and U.S. government - and also through his wonderful family. On behalf of all Arkansans, Bryan and I share our deepest condolences with David’s wife Barbara, their son, former U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, and the entire Pryor family.”
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson:
"Fond memory of Former Senator David Pryor at the Mulberry River ramp dedication. Whether a Republican, Democrat or Independent, David always had a welcome smile and plenty of conversation."
Arkansas Rep. French Hill:
"It is with great sadness that I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of former U.S. Senator David Pryor, who passed away this morning at the age of 89. Senator Pryor's contributions to the state of Arkansas are immeasurable and his legacy will be long remembered across the state.
Senator Pryor was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Arkansas was always his focus. During his time as U.S. Representative, Governor, and Senator for Arkansas, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all Arkansans. I am grateful for my decades long friendship with the Pryor family and for Senator Pryor's six decades of public service. Martha and I are keeping his family and friends in our prayers during this time."
Arkansas Sen. Clarke Tucker:
"Arkansas has lost a giant. There is only one David Pryor. The epitome of a statesman. No one was more humble. No one was more civil. No one loved Arkansas and our people more
A personal hero to me. 25 years ago, I was an Arkansas teenage kid. He took me under his wing. He mentored me, cared for me, showed me the way. There are thousands more stories like mine. Millions more lives changed without ever knowing his name
Dale Bumpers used to joke that Arkansas media had a shortcut so that when they typed 'David Pryor,' it automatically wrote out 'Arkansas’s most beloved politician.' There were no flies on Sen. Bumpers, but he knew he could get away with that joke because it was true
To this day, David Pryor is revered & adored, by the media Sen. Bumpers spoke of, but also by Arkansas politicians of every stripe & by the state he loved. Our state’s collective heart is broken today, as is mine. God bless you, DP. May you rest in peace, and rise in glory."
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton:
“David Pryor was a true gentleman and a statesman who dedicated more than a half century of his life to the service of our state and nation. His example served and will continue to serve as inspiration for our fellow Arkansans. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and loved ones for whom I pray his memory will always be a cherished blessing.”
U.S. Sen. John Boozman:
"David Pryor’s life was characterized by service to his community, state and country. Arkansas has benefited tremendously from his dedicated stewardship as a legislator, governor and citizen deeply invested in helping ensure our best days were still ahead. I greatly admired the courtesy, integrity and wisdom he personally modeled and instilled in others. Cathy and I are praying for his loved ones as they reflect on his memory and take comfort in the historic legacy he has left them and countless Arkansans."
Arkansas Rep. Steve Womack:
"I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Pryor. A lifelong public servant, he served in the U.S. House and Senate, in the state legislature, and served as Governor of Arkansas. He dedicated himself to bettering the lives of Arkansans in each critical position he held. Mr. Pryor was the epitome of a statesman for the Natural State, and his legacy will no doubt live on for generations. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.:
"Senator David Pryor was Arkansas’s pillar of public service and embodiment of servant leadership. He set a standard of excellence for all to follow. I pray for the Pryor family’s strength and comfort. Rest well and in love, Senator Pryor."