Businessman and former state Sen. John Polk of Hattiesburg died, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said in a social media post on Monday. Polk was 77.

“The Senate and I have lost a close friend, confidant, and outstanding person in former Senator John Polk of Hattiesburg,” Hosemann wrote. “We will always remember him for his unwavering dedication to Mississippi, his strong convictions, and his willingness to say what needed to be said even when it was difficult.”

During a special session last week, Sen. Josh Harkins had announced to his colleagues that Polk had entered hospice care for his illness, and Harkins praised Polk’s service, saying “he’s carried himself with dignity … and was a genuinely kind man.”

Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, a former senator who served with Polk, said: “John Polk was a distinguished businessman, statesman, devoted family man, and man of God. He will be deeply missed, but I take comfort in knowing he is at peace.”

Polk, a Republican served as District 44 senator for Lamar County from 2012 to early 2026. The Legislature redrew the district in 2025, a move Polk had said played into his decision to not seek reelection.

“Serving district 44 as your Senator has been the honor of my life,” Polk said, announcing his decision to his constituents last year. “I know there were times I didn’t vote the way you individually wished I had, but I always had the people of the district and state’s best interest when I voted.”

Polk was a veteran of the Mississippi National Guard and served as an executive at his family’s business, Polk Meat Products, and was a longtime business and community leader in the Pine Belt area and big supporter of his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi.

Arrangements were pending as of Monday.