Washington DC - President Donald Trump on Monday urged South Carolina's governor to appoint Lindsey Graham's sister as his temporary replacement in the Senate after the Republican died over the weekend.

"I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham's wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

"This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!"

Graham, a prominent foreign-policy hawk and close Trump ally, died unexpectedly over the weekend at 71, leaving McMaster responsible for appointing someone to serve until the senator's term expires in January.

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The Republican governor was expected to announce his choice later Monday.

Graham never married or had children and was exceptionally close to Darline Graham Nordone. Their mother died when Graham was 20, and his sister was 12, followed less than two years later by their father's death from a heart attack. Graham, then 22, formally adopted and largely raised his 13-year-old sister.

Nordone's appointment would be temporary. A special Republican primary is scheduled for August 11 to choose a candidate for November's election, with several prominent South Carolina Republicans already considering bids for the seat.