Retired Associated Justice of the Supreme Court Sandra Day O'Connor passed away in Arizona on Friday morning at the age of 93, according to a statement released by the Court.
Citing "complications related to advanced dementia, probably Alzheimer's, and a respiratory illness" as the cause, the statement from SCOTUS heralded Justice O'Connor's more than 24 years of service on the Court from 1981 when she was appointed by President Reagan until her retirement in 2006.
NEW: Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman on the US Supreme Court, has died at 93. pic.twitter.com/xBdQcRiiS6
— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) December 1, 2023
Chief Justice John Roberts called O'Connor a "daughter of the American Southwest" who "blazed an historic trail as our Nation's first female Justice," a challenge she met "with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor."
"We at the Supreme Court mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, a fiercely independent defender of the rule of law, and an eloquent advocate for civics education," said Roberts. "We celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot."
More from the Supreme Court on her incredible life as "a woman for all seasons":
Justice O'Connor was born in El Paso, Texas, on March 26, 1930. She married John Jay O'Connor III in 1952. She received her B.A. and LL.B. from Stanford University. She served as Deputy County Attorney of San Mateo County, California, from 1952 to 1953 and as a civilian attorney for Quartermaster Market Center, Frankfurt, Germany, from 1954 to 1957. From 1958 to 1960, she practiced law in Maryvale, Arizona, before serving as Assistant Attorney General of Arizona from 1965 to 1969. She was appointed to the Arizona State Senate in 1969 and was subsequently reelected to two two-year terms, during which she was selected as Majority Leader. In 1975 she was elected Judge of the Maricopa County Superior Court and served until 1979, when she was appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals.
Justice O'Connor wrote five books: Lazy B: Growing Up on a Cattle Ranch in the American Southwest (2002); The Majesty of Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice (2002); Chico (2005); Finding Susie (2009); and Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court (2013).
Following her tenure on the Supreme Court, she founded and led iCivics, the Nation's leading civics education platform. As President Reagan said when first introducing her to the American people, she was a woman for all seasons.
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) joined a growing chorus of lawmakers and civic leaders sharing their condolences and fond memories of knowing Justice O'Connor:
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
Ann and I were saddened to hear about former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s passing.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 1, 2023
While she may no longer be with us, her legacy as the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court is remarkable. She was a trailblazer who led well. Please join us in praying for her…
RIP Sandra Day O'Connor: the 1st female Supreme Court Justice was appointed by President @RonaldReagan in 1981. A trailblazer in the legal profession, she inspired many—including me back in 1988, when I had the chance to hear her talk about public service. https://t.co/J3IFq4qVrc
— Ajit Pai (@AjitPai) December 1, 2023
Sandra Day O'Connor was the 1st female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona in 1973. I became the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader 44 years later.She was a trailblazer, worked across the aisle and believed in civil discourse. She was an inspiration to me and women around the world. pic.twitter.com/WE561xK8vG
— Kimberly Yee (@KimberlyYeeAZ) December 1, 2023
We lost an Arizona icon today. Rest in peace. 🙏
— Abe Hamadeh (@AbrahamHamadeh) December 1, 2023
Sandra Day O'Connor, former Supreme Court Justice, dead at 93 pic.twitter.com/NKb8TwETdS
Today, we lost a legal giant in our profession. Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) December 1, 2023
It was an honor to first meet her when I was a young law student, and like me and many other women pursuing the study of law, she was an inspiration…
Saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, 1st woman on Supreme Court. She was appointed by President Reagan, and her legacy will always be remembered. Prayers today for her family from a thankful nation for her service. pic.twitter.com/bJi3BG8Tgt
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) December 1, 2023
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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