Sandra Day O'Connor Dead: Maria Shriver, Billie Jean King and More Pay Tribute
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Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, passed away on Friday, Dec. 1. She was 93.
O'Connor died in Phoenix, Arizona, of complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness, the Supreme Court said in a news release.
Following the announcement of her death, celebrities and big names from all areas of fame–the political sphere, media and Hollywood–took to social media to honor O'Connor and her everlasting legacy.
Among those paying tribute to the late lawyer and politician included the former First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, who remembered O'Connor on X (formerly Twitter) as a "legend" and "forceful advocate."
"Today, a legend, Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, passed. I had the honor of working with her on Alzheimer’s, where she was a forceful advocate. She broke so many barriers. She was smart, strong, determined, a ceiling breaker, a break down the door type woman. She was a role model to me and an inspiration. She was a devoted wife and mother, as well," Shriver wrote. "In our last conversation she asked me, what are you doing that’s new, that’s different? She kept pushing me to do more. To work harder. Knock down more doors. Thank you Justice O’Connor for paving the way, in so many ways! #architectofchange"
Today, a legend, Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, passed. I had the honor of working with her on Alzheimer’s, where she was a forceful advocate. She broke so many barriers. She was smart, strong, determined, a ceiling breaker, a break down the door type… pic.twitter.com/F7cUdP3lli
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) December 1, 2023
Melinda Gates, the chairperson of the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation and the Microsoft founder's ex-wife called the late justice a "trailblazer at every step."
"Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was a trailblazer at every step—a young cowgirl in the Arizona desert who grew up to become the first woman on the Supreme Court. She embodied public service and leaves behind an extraordinary legacy," she wrote.
New York's first female governor, Kathy Hochul, praised the late justice for breaking barriers and inspiring "countless women to enter the legal field and to serve their country."
Billie Jean King also remembered O'Connor as "a trailblazing inspiration for 25 years."
As did Deborah Roberts, ABC broadcast journalist and wife of Al Roker.
The country’s first female Supreme Court justice has died. Trailblazer Sandra Day O'Connor was 93. pic.twitter.com/wTxsAsXokn
— Deborah Roberts (@DebRobertsABC) December 1, 2023
Senator Amy Klobuchar credited O'Connor with showing the public "anything and everything is possible."
Actor George Takei also shared a meaningful tribute, despite "often disagreeing" with O'Connor. "Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has passed away. She made history as the first woman on the Supreme Court. And because she was so often the pivotal swing vote, how she came down on an issue usually determined which way the Court would rule," he said. "Though I often disagreed with her, the moderate conservatism she espoused seems almost liberal by today’s standards. Rest in power, Justice O’Connor."
"Her service and dedication to our country will be long-remembered," declared New Jersey senator Cory Booker. "My heart is with her family and loved ones today."
House speaker Mike Johnson added that "Despite never serving as Chief Justice, she was widely regarded as the most powerful Justice on the bench during her tenure. Kelly and I express our sympathies and join millions of others in prayer for the O’Connor family today, as our nation has lost a legal giant."
The tributes didn't stop there, keep reading for more from Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, Chuck Schumer, former president Barack Obama and more.
RIP Sandra Day O’Connor
“The power I exert in the court depends on the power of my arguments, not on my gender.” pic.twitter.com/mQFWNnV4qk— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) December 1, 2023
For 25 years, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was a trailblazer who served with integrity and distinction on the Supreme Court
The 1st woman on the Supreme Court—she was one of the true historic figures of the 20th century
I join Americans across the country in mourning her passing pic.twitter.com/i8DUvYkO7x— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 1, 2023
The Reagan Foundation and Institute mourns the loss of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Her journey from a rural cattle ranch to becoming an influential woman in the country is a true embodiment of the American Dream. Our thoughts and prayers go out ... pic.twitter.com/d0gQi30AYk
— Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute (@RonaldReagan) December 1, 2023
Statement by President Obama on the Passing of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor pic.twitter.com/VPtqHQcRFN
— CSPAN (@cspan) December 1, 2023
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor made history as the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court and she led a life dedicated to serving our country.
She was a trailblazer for many women, and my heart is with her family at this time.— Sen. Maggie Hassan (@SenatorHassan) December 1, 2023
As the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, Sandra Day O’Connor paved the way for so many female leaders, and her remarkable legacy will live on for generations to come.
My thoughts are with her loved ones as our nation mourns this immense loss.— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) December 1, 2023
My statement on the passing of an Arizona icon, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor: pic.twitter.com/Hi9ByTGrKV
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) December 1, 2023
Sandra Day O’Connor was a trailblazer — the first woman to serve on our nation’s highest court.
Her confirmation hearings in 1981 exemplified a new frontier for women in law.
Rest in peace, Justice O’Connor. pic.twitter.com/L8t1VjvyI3— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) December 1, 2023
Sandra Day O’Connor was a trailblazer who broke barriers as the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, and her legacy will always be remembered. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) December 1, 2023
Rest In Peace, Sandra Day O'Connor. pic.twitter.com/2yAzbeebDK
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 1, 2023
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was a trailblazing leader for all women as the first female Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her legacy will continue to live on throughout Arizona and across the country. She will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/GbcO6XEeMz
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) December 1, 2023
Today we lost an Arizona treasure and icon. Sandra Day O'Connor was America's 1st female US Supreme Court Justice. From Arizona’s Lazy B Ranch all the way to the Supreme Court, she knew everyone could make a difference. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/QvnzWvASN5
— Jan Brewer (@GovBrewer) December 1, 2023
It takes a strong individual to be the “first” of anything.
As the first woman Justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor helped pave the way for countless women to pursue law at the highest of levels.
My thoughts are with her loved ones today.— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) December 1, 2023
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As a reporter, I had the honor of following her stellar career and meeting her on several occasions. She was a trailblazer, serving as the first female Supreme Court Justice, and Majority Leader in the… pic.twitter.com/RTQzYE7137
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) December 1, 2023
I am saddened to hear Sandra Day O’Connor passed away this morning. From growing up on a ranch to becoming the 1st woman to serve on the Supreme Court, she lived a tremendous life and was an inspiration to women throughout our country. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. pic.twitter.com/JOOQSTmABY
— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) December 1, 2023
Sad news w the passing of fmr Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor She was a trailblazer for the high court &always worked to find consensus She was 1st justice I had honor of voting for as Senator Her contributions 2 the court will endure +she will be missed
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) December 1, 2023
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was wise, focused and exuded strength and confidence. She was fiercely devoted to inspiring and educating young people to engage in democracy. Her visionary leadership with @icivics changed the game for civics education and I’m honored I got to be a… pic.twitter.com/oQIoqu5wnA
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) December 1, 2023
Saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, a trailblazer and inspiration.
I had the honor to argue before Justice O'Connor at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005 as Texas AG.
I admired her tenacity and dedication to precisely researched jurisprudence.— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 1, 2023
In a time when women are still fighting for a full seat at the table and we're seeing a Supreme Count racked by partisanship—we honor the trailblazing representation of our first female Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
May she rest in peace & many prayers to her family pic.twitter.com/kDrt0rPyku— Rep. Melanie Stansbury (@Rep_Stansbury) December 1, 2023