Remembering ‘The Dean’ John Dingell — A Giant of Congress, Twitter

Stephen Henderson: I was “extraordinarily privileged” to have John Dingell as a friend.

WDET

John D Dingell, the longest-serving congressman in history, died yesterday at age 92. Dingell was a fierce advocate for many issues during his six decades in Washington.

On Detroit Today, Stephen Henderson remembers his own friendship with “The Dean,” and speaks with a number of journalists and officials who got to know him well over his many years of service.

Don Gonyea is a national political correspondent for NPR and a native of Detroit. He covered Dingell for many years and produced NPR’s obituary for Dingell.

Former Congressman Sander Levin talks about his family’s close relationship with John and the Dingells over years serving together on Capitol Hill.

Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint Twp.) talks about his own memories of Dingell and their working relationship.

Detroit News editorial page editor Nolan Finley discusses he close personal relationship with Dingell, who he calls a surrogate father figure.

Plymouth Twp. Supervisor Kurt Heise talks about how — even as a Republican — he and his family became close personal friends with the Dingell family.

Click on the audio player above to hear those conversations.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.