Someone Was Very Notably Left Off McCain’s Memorial Guest List… And It’s Not Trump

President Trump isn’t the only notable Republican left off of McCain’s memorial’s guest list.

In fact, there’s another big name left off the list. McCain’s former running mate, Sarah Palin…

Which is both sad, and expected, given McCain’s recent revelation that he regretted choosing her as his potential VP.

10 years ago today, @SenJohnMcCain named @SarahPalinUSA as his running mate. She is not expected to attend memorial. The McCain family has not commented on the invitation guest list.

— Kelly O’Donnell (@KellyO) August 29, 2018

I really do think this is sad, you know? I can’t really explain it… but at a time of loss, I’ve always been one to want to let go of past troubles, make amends, and hope for new beginnings.

Sarah may not have been politically beneficial to McCain’s campaign… but at the end of the day I think she was a loyal partner.

The Palins’ response to all of this was pure class, in my book:

Palin family source says, “Out of respect to Senator McCain and his family we have nothing to add at this point. The Palin family will always cherish their friendship with the McCains and hold those memories dear.”

— Kelly O’Donnell (@KellyO) August 29, 2018

That was the right thing to do – brush it aside and refuse to make his death a controversy about herself.

She also shared some kind words earlier in the week:

Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs. John never took the easy path in life – and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self.

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) August 26, 2018

John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family.
– Sarah Palin and family pic.twitter.com/KRvcIQ99cA

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) August 26, 2018

They’ve had a recent falling out… but she chose to hold on to the good times. I have so much respect for that.

People Magazine confirmed the report:

President Donald Trump and former John McCain presidential running mate Sarah Palin are not invited to memorial services for the iconic Arizona senator, multiple sources tell PEOPLE.

“Two names you won’t see on the guest list: Trump and Palin,” says a Capitol Hill source with knowledge of funeral plans for McCain, who died of brain cancer Saturday at age 81.

“Invitations were not extended” to the two political figures, confirms Carla Eudy, a fundraiser who has worked with and been friends with the McCain family for decades…

…“Donald Trump and Sarah Palin were not served official notice outright,” says the source close to the McCain family. “I want to make that clear. It wasn’t a no-trespass order. They won’t be turned away by guards if they show up at the funeral.”

The stay-away messages were sent through intermediaries, the friend tells PEOPLE.

The messages were received, sources say.”

His former running mate received a “stay away” message…

Yeah. I think that’s really sad.