Longtime Utah Senator Orrin Hatch has died at the age of 88

His death was announced in a statement from his foundation, which did not specify a cause. When he retired in 2019, he founded the Hatch Foundation and was replaced by Mitt Romney.

Though a conservative on most economic and social issues, he has worked with Democrats several times during his long career on issues ranging from stem cell research to the rights of people with disabilities to expanding health insurance for children. He also formed friendships across the aisle, most notably with the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

He also championed GOP issues such as abortion limits and helped shape the US Supreme Court, including defending Clarence Thomas against allegations of sexual harassment during the confirmation hearings.

Late in his career, he also helped pass a federal tax audit and urged President Donald Trump to downsize two national monuments in Utah as he called for a return to an era of political civility. He became an ally of Trump.

He was also known for his side career as a singer and recording artist of music with themes related to his religious belief, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his wife Elaine and their six children.