Citing the loss of one of the state's "great ambassadors," Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered the State Capitol's flags at half-staff in honor of the late owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans.
The announcement was made Friday morning, hours before Benson's funeral service was set to be held at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans at noon. Benson, 90, died March 15 after an extended stay in the hospital.
The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset in honor of the "Louisiana giant," a release said.
"His mark will be left on New Orleans and the rest of our state for generations,” said Edwards in the release.