“When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation. And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there’s no limit to the heights we can reach together. With John’s passing, our nation has lost an icon and Michelle and I have lost a friend. John spent his life breaking barriers, from defending our freedom as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, to setting a transcontinental speed record, to becoming, at age 77, the oldest human to touch the stars. John always had the right stuff, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers and astronauts who will take us to Mars and beyond–not just to visit, but to stay. Today, the people of Ohio remember a devoted public servant who represented his fellow Buckeyes in the U.S. Senate for a quarter century and who fought to keep America a leader in science and technology. Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Annie, their children John and Carolyn and the entire Glenn family. The last of America’s first astronauts has left us, but propelled by their example we know that our future here on Earth compels us to keep reaching for the heavens. On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn.” –Pres. Barack Obama
“Any minute spent with John Glenn was a blessing. Because for all his heroism that history will remember—in war, in space, in public life—you felt something deeper. You felt his capacity to love—the country he inspired, the people of Ohio he served. And most especially, love for his Annie, a hero in her own right, and together, they forged a true partnership that bore the weight of fame and responsibility with the humility and sense of duty that defined them as the greatest of America’s greatest generation. Jill and I are blessed for the twenty-five years we shared with John and Annie in the United States Senate, and for the forty years we have shared as dear friends. In our prayers to Annie, their children John David and Lyn, and the entire Glenn family, we can only offer the solace that future generations of Americans, when tested and challenged, will find a model for how to explore, serve, and love. For if there is ever a message to send beyond our time here on our Earth for what it means to be an American, it is the life of John Glenn. Godspeed, friend.” – Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden
“John Glenn is, and always will be, Ohio’s ultimate hometown hero, and his passing today is an occasion for all of us to grieve. As we bow our heads and share our grief with his beloved wife, Annie, we must also turn to the skies, to salute his remarkable journeys and his long years of service to our state and nation. Though he soared deep into space and to the heights of Capitol Hill, his heart never strayed from his steadfast Ohio roots. Godspeed, John Glenn!” – Gov. John Kasich
“It has been one of the great blessings of my life to get to know John Glenn, and for Connie and me to count on him and Annie as mentors and friends. We loved him, we will miss him and we will continue to draw strength and wisdom from the lessons he shared with us over the years. What made John Glenn a great Senator was the same quality that made him a great astronaut and an iconic American hero: he saw enormous untapped potential in the nation he loved and he had faith that America could overcome any challenge.” –U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown
“John Glenn was an American hero. He flew 149 combat missions in two wars; he was the first American to orbit the Earth, and the longest-serving United States Senator in Ohio history. I’m grateful to have known him, to have partnered with him on projects and legislation in Congress, and to have worked with him and served on his advisory board at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University…John and Annie’s marriage and their seven decades of partnership have been a model for Jane and me, and we send our condolences to our friend Annie and all the Glenn family at this difficult time.” – U.S. Sen Rob Portman
“There is no doubt – John Glenn always had the ‘Right Stuff.’ He was an American hero.” – Ohio Atty. Gen. and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine
“From the generation that taught us to always strive for greater heights came John Glenn, a Ohioan who proved for us that the sky was not the limit. John Glenn was an Ohio-made, American hero and a global inspiration who will be greatly missed. He left a legacy of greatness that goes beyond his status as the first American to orbit the earth; he was a dedicated marine, a strong statesman, and a devoted husband and father.” – Ohio Secy. of State Jon Husted
“The Ohio State University community deeply mourns the loss of John Glenn, Ohio’s consummate public servant and a true American hero. He leaves an undiminished legacy as one of the great people of our time.” – Ohio State University President Michael Drake
“John Glenn embodied the pioneering spirit of every Ohioan and every American. The first American man to orbit the earth, the boy from New Concord exemplified bravery…Whether orbiting in the zero gravity of outer space, or walking the weighty halls of Congress, John Glenn served the people…He and his wife Annie represent the very best of Ohio and the values that make this country great. His service forever shaped America and pushed us forward.” –Ohio Sen. Pres. Keith Faber
“John Glenn is a true American hero and icon. He left an indelible mark on history and we are proud to call him an Ohioan. We send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Annie, and their children.” –Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges
“The way John Glenn lived his life and served his country let everyone know that anyone from any walk of life deserved the same dignity and respect.” –Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther