By Mark Gray
8:59am PST, Jan 7, 2024
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Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, passed away on Dec. 1. She was 93.
Nominated by Ronald Reagan in 1981, Sandra was often the swing vote in some of the SCOTUS's biggest cases — she was part of the 5-4 majority in Bush v. Gore that helped thrust George W. Bush to the presidency in 2000.
After leaving an indelible mark on the high court, she retired in 2006 but often attended public events. In 2018, Sandra announced she was withdrawing from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.
Keep reading to see how several bold-faced names from the worlds of entertainment and politics are remembering her…
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"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. 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" —Maria Shriver
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"Sandra Day O'Connor was a trailblazer. As the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court, Justice O'Connor inspired a generation of women — including the five female Justices that succeeded her — to chart a path that previously seemed unattainable.
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." —Speaker of the House Mike Johnson
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"RIP Sandra Day O'Connor — 'The power I exert in the court depends on the power of my arguments, not on my gender.'" —Lindsey Vonn
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"Sandra Day O'Connor was a trailblazer whose life and career paved the way for so many others.
Her service and dedication to our country will be long-remembered. My heart is with her family and loved ones today." —Senator Cory Booker
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"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." —Texas Governor Greg Abbott
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"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 Arizona Senate.
As an Arizonan, I am grateful for her service and contributions to our state. As a woman, I am thankful for her example of public service.
My prayers are with her loved ones." —Kari Lake
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"Sandra Day O'Connor, the 1st woman justice on #SCOTUS, has died. She served as a trailblazing inspiration for 25 years. Justice O'Connor retired in 2006 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Our condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace." —Billie Jean King
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"Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was often the key vote in defending the rights of Americans — in protecting clean air, in protecting women's rights, in protecting against discrimination, in protecting voting rights. My thoughts are with Justice O'Connor's family and loved ones" –Senator Chuck Schumer
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"Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was a trailblazer. She was the first woman to lead a state senate and was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Her example showed us that anything and everything is possible. Her family is in our prayers today." —Senator Amy Klobuchar
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"Sad news w the passing of fmr Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor She was a trailblazer for the high court and always worked to find consensus She was 1st justice I had honor of voting for as Senator. Her contributions 2 the court will endure and she will be missed" —Senator Chuck Grassley
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"Sandra Day O'Connor broke barriers, including showing women that we, too, could serve on the nation's highest court. She inspired countless women to enter the legal field and to serve their country. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time." –New York Governor Kathy Hochul
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"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. Though I often disagreed with her, the moderate conservatism she espoused seems almost liberal by today's standards. Rest in power, Justice O'Connor." —George Takei
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"Sandra Day O'Connor was a trailblazer.
She showed women and little girls across the country that they can do anything they set their mind to, including serving as a justice on the United States Supreme Court.
May she rest in peace." —New York Attorney General Letitia James
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"Sandra Day O'Connor was an Arizona trailblazer who dedicated decades to serving both our beautiful state and country.
The first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Sandra broke barriers everywhere she went.
Sydney and I send our condolences to her family, friends, and the countless people she has inspired. Arizona will miss her." —Congressman Ruben Gallego
