John Hume, pictured at Stormont on April 10, 1998, as peace talks fall into place.RollingNews.ie

John Hume, a civil rights activist and founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 for his work on the Irish peace process.

John Hume's family confirmed his passing in a statement issued on August 3, 2020: "We are deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after a short illness. 

Read More: John Hume, hero in the Irish peace process, has died

"We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry. The care they have shown John in the last months of his life has been exceptional. As a family, we are unfailingly inspired by the professionalism, compassion, and love they have shown to John and all those under their care. We can never adequately show them our thanks for looking after John at a time when we could not.  The family drew great comfort in being with John again in the last days of his life.

"We would like also to extend our gratitude to the people of Derry and Moville/Greencastle, who have looked after John and shown us so much kindness as his dementia has progressed. Celebrating community in all its diversity went to the heart of John’s political ethos and we are very appreciative that our communities supported, respected and protected John. 

"John was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a brother. He was very much loved, and his loss will be deeply felt by all his extended family.

"John’s funeral will be arranged according to the current government regulations with very strict rules on numbers. We realise this will mean that many will be unable to join us and we will arrange a memorial service and a celebration of his life in due course.  Above all, we know that John would have prioritised public health, and the safety and health of our communities.  We are grateful for your condolences and support, and we appreciate that you will respect the family’s right to privacy at this time of great loss. 

"It seems particularly apt for these strange and fearful days to remember the phrase that gave hope to John and so many of us through dark times: we shall overcome."

October 16, 1998: John Hume and his wife Patricia on their way for an interview on RTE's The Late Late Show. (RollingNews.ie)

Read More: John Hume's role in the Irish Peace Process should never be forgotten

Tributes are now being paid to John Hume and his life's work from politicians of all backgrounds.

The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), of which Hume was a founding member and served as its leader for more than 20 years, said:

Arlene Foster, the First Minister of Northern Ireland and member of the DUP, said:

Michelle O’Neill, the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and member of Sinn Féin, said:

Mary Lou McDonald, the president of Sinn Féin, said:

You can read McDonald's full statement on the passing of John Hume here.

Gerry Adams, the former president of Sinn Féin who worked alongside Hume in the lead up to the Good Friday Agreement, said in a statement: "John’s contribution to Irish politics cannot be underestimated. When others talked endlessly about peace John grasped the challenge and helped make peace happen."

Tony Blair, who was Prime Minister of the UK at the time of the Good Friday Agreement, said Hume "laid the foundations for what became the Northern Ireland peace process:"

Michael D. Higgins, the President of Ireland, said: 

You can read the full statement from President Higgins here.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said:

Simon Coveney, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, said:

You can read Coveney's full statement here. 

Former US President Bill Clinton said:

You can read Clinton's full statement here.

The below video has been shared widely today in the wake of Hume's passing: