South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday that he will appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of his Senate term.

The announcement came just hours after President Donald Trump publicly backed the decision on Truth Social, calling it a fitting way to honor the longtime South Carolina senator.

Trump wrote that appointing Graham Nordone "would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!"

Graham, 71, died Saturday after reportedly suffering an aortic dissection. He had represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was serving his fourth term.

Speaking alongside McMaster on Monday, Graham Nordone thanked supporters for the kindness shown to her family in the days since her brother's death.

"I can't tell you how much it's meant to me and our family," she said. "I know Lindsey was loved and respected by many, and I greatly appreciate the memories and even the funny stories that have been shared."

She said accepting the appointment is her way of honoring the brother who spent much of his life looking out for her.

"Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him."

Graham Nordone also said she plans to lean on the senator's longtime staff and colleagues as she takes on the role.

"I know Lindsey thought the world of his staff and colleagues, and with their support, I feel confident," she said. "I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way."

A close relationship

The bond between Lindsey Graham and his younger sister began long before his political career.

After both of their parents died within 15 months of each other, Graham became his sister's guardian while he was still in college. She lived with relatives during the school week, and Graham traveled home on weekends to spend time with her. Before entering the U.S. Air Force, he became her legal guardian so she could receive insurance and other benefits.

During Graham's 2014 reelection campaign, Nordone appeared in a television ad describing the role her brother played in her life.

"It was hard when we lost my mom and my dad," she said. "Lindsey assured me that he was going to take care of me, he was going to be there for me. He never let me down. Never. I don't see how he did it, to take on the responsibility of raising a little sister. That came from within for Lindsey."

Unlike her brother, Graham Nordone never sought elected office. She instead focused on raising her two children and working to help people with disabilities find jobs, while also helping with Graham's political campaigns.

What's next?

Graham Nordone will hold the Senate seat until January.

Under South Carolina law, McMaster is required to call a special primary election on Aug. 11 to determine who will appear on the November ballot. CNBC reports the filing period for that race opens July 21.

Graham's death leaves behind a political legacy that spanned more than three decades, beginning with his election to the U.S. House in 1994 before winning a Senate seat in 2002 following the retirement of Sen. Strom Thurmond. Throughout his Senate career, he served on several influential committees and chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee during President Trump's first term.