Sandra Day O'Connor Dead: Maria Shriver, Billie Jean King and More Pay Tribute

Marisa Losciale
·8 min read
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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"

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.

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.

Next: Remembering the Stars and Legends We've Lost In 2023