Outpouring Of Grief As Nation Mourns 'Hero' And 'Titan' Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The nation mourned on Friday after news broke of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death following a decades-long battle with cancer.
Admirers from both sides of the political aisle ― along with celebrities and sports stars ― paid tribute to the 87-year-old Supreme Court justice and women’s rights crusader on social media.
They remembered her wisdom, resilience and unwavering dedication to fighting for freedom and equality for all. Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg referred to her as a “titan of justice.” Veteran journalist Dan Rather said she was an “American hero, in every sense.”
“Justice Ginsburg paved the way for so many women, including me,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in tweet. “There will never be another like her.” Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, said “Ginsburg’s life and landmark opinions moved us closer to a more perfect union.”
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris described her as “a relentless defender of justice in our country and a legal mind for the ages.”
We have lost one of the most extraordinary Justices ever to serve on the Supreme Court. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and landmark opinions moved us closer to a more perfect union. And her powerful dissents reminded us that we walk away from our Constitution’s promise at our peril. pic.twitter.com/dDECiBxae6
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 19, 2020
Justice Ginsburg paved the way for so many women, including me. There will never be another like her. Thank you RBG.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 19, 2020
"Laura and I join our fellow Americans in mourning the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She dedicated many of her 87 remarkable years to the pursuit of justice and equality, and she inspired more than one generation of women and girls." Read full statement: https://t.co/qNGbgc1ZMz
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) September 19, 2020
Fmr. President Carter on the death of Justice Ginsburg: "A powerful legal mind and a staunch advocate for gender equality, she has been a beacon of justice during her long and remarkable career. I was proud to have appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1980." pic.twitter.com/n0H3B6k4yT
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) September 19, 2020
Tonight we mourn, we honor, and we pray for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her family. But we also recommit to fight for her legacy.
Doug and I send our heartfelt prayers to Jane and James, and the entire Ginsburg family, particularly on this holy day of Rosh Hashanah. pic.twitter.com/SNyqZCznfv— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 19, 2020
Tonight, the flags are flying at half staff over the Capitol to honor the patriotism of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Every woman and girl, and therefore every family, in America has benefitted from her brilliance.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 19, 2020
The passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a tremendous loss to our country. She was an extraordinary champion of justice and equal rights, and will be remembered as one of the great justices in modern American history.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 19, 2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazer who served the Supreme Court—and the country—faithfully for 27 years. My prayers go out to her family during this time.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 19, 2020
America lost a giant. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was shunned from courtrooms when she began her career because she was a woman.
But she persisted, blazing a trail for millions of women and others who had been excluded or oppressed.
RBG is a lioness of the law. She is irreplaceable.— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) September 19, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a titan of justice. Her jurisprudence expanded the rights of all Americans, shaping our lives for the better. And her example now shines within the history of our country, there to inspire generations. pic.twitter.com/GffcMQivDx
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 18, 2020
Justice Ginsburg was a heroine of her time. A pioneer for gender equality, an icon of groundbreaking jurisprudence, and a beloved mother and grandmother.
She’s lived a full life and made a tremendous mark on history. She will be missed, but her legacy will be cherished forever. https://t.co/boXukVshoY— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) September 18, 2020
We have lost a giant in the history of our nation with the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
It is heartbreaking that in her final moments she was, as are many others, preoccupied with what would happen after her passing.
I want to make one thing clear: we can, and must, fight. https://t.co/QEDDFtSwmK— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) September 19, 2020
I am so, so saddened by the news that Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed. Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer and an extraordinary jurist who devoted her life to advancing the causes of equality and justice. We are in her debt.
May her memory be a blessing to us all.— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) September 19, 2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a credit to the Court.
I disagreed with many of her decisions but they were all well reasoned and well argued.
She was a close friend of her ideological opposite, Justice Scalia.
They both loved opera, law and the U.S.A.
May She Rest In Peace— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) September 18, 2020
Ruthie was my friend and I will miss her terribly. The t-shirts simply labeled “RBG” made her notorious. But it was her wit, her tenaciousness, and her skill as a jurist that made her an icon.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 19, 2020
As a young mom heading off to Rutgers law school, I saw so few examples of female lawyers or law professors. But Ruthie blazed the trail. I’m forever grateful for her example — to me, and to millions of young women who saw her as a role model.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 19, 2020
Later, Ruthie’s groundbreaking work as a legal advocate for women led to a distinguished career as a federal judge and a Supreme Court Justice. Her lifelong dedication to fighting for justice for everyone, and her love for our nation, will be sorely missed.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 19, 2020
With voting already underway for the 2020 elections, Ruthie’s “most fervent wish” was for her replacement not to be named “until a new president is installed.” We must honor her wish.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 19, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived an extraordinary life. She fought to ensure equal protection in our laws, fearlessly dissented and defended, and was a powerful role model for us all. I'm devastated to hear of her passing.
Thank you, Justice Ginsburg. Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/QZeSzuIPrX— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) September 19, 2020
RBG was a seminal legal figure. If she never served a day on the Court she would still have been considered a giant. Ruth Bader Ginsburg shaped the law and in doing so changed this nation. Hers was a consequential life well led. We are all in her debt.
— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) September 19, 2020
This is devastating, an incalculable loss. We owe so much to RBG. Rest in Power Ruth Bader Ginsburg. #RIPRBG
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) September 19, 2020
I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it hard to balance the need to grieve and the urge to fight in this sad moment
— Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) September 19, 2020
So sorry for Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s family and for our country. She was a fighter and she was firmly on the side of justice. I hope her example and her legacy can inspire us all in the fight of our lives. RIP RBG.
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) September 18, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ruth Bader Ginsburg tonight. She leaves a legacy of thoughtful public service, a dedication to the law, and a life of great accomplishment. May she Rest In Peace.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 19, 2020
This is a painfully tragic loss for our nation. Justice Ginsburg’s profound impact on the country’s justice system is unparalleled as a leader who shined light and hope when we needed it most. It is now our turn to carry her fight. Rest In Power, RBG. pic.twitter.com/MpqjTi1p1l
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) September 19, 2020
My heart is broken. RBG, we did not deserve you.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 18, 2020
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Justice Ginsburg.
Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer who possessed tremendous passion for her causes. She served with honor and distinction as a member of the Supreme Court.— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 19, 2020
While I had many differences with her on legal philosophy, I appreciate her service to our nation.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
May she Rest In Peace.— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 19, 2020
I'm at a complete loss.
Before fear sets in... thank you RBG for your life of fighting for our most vulnerable, for championing true equality for all, for your resiliency, and for inspiring countless women and girls to stand up and take charge.https://t.co/yflVuuPAX1— Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) September 18, 2020
I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a titan & legend on the Supreme Court whose undeniably brilliant legal mind & dedication to justice & equality moved our country forward. We’ve lost a champion tonight, but her legacy lives on.
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) September 19, 2020
A shock. A sadness. A great loss. The passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg leaves a hole in a nation already reeling. She is an American hero, in every sense. We can honor her by joining to carry forth her legacy of equality, empathy, and justice. May she Rest in Peace.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) September 18, 2020
A true giant. Thank you for your service RBG 💔 pic.twitter.com/TN2yCcC9A5
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) September 19, 2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a torch-bearer and a champion of justice and equality. Her peerless work spanned over half a century, and will always be an inspiration to so many attorneys, activists, and young women who look up to her as their hero, including my own daughters.
— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) September 19, 2020
We should honor the life of RBG, American hero, by refusing to give in, refusing to back down, fighting for the civil rights of all people & demanding our leaders honor the the rule of law. This is our fight now. May her memory be for a blessing.
— Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) September 18, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the kind of scholar and patriot you get excited about explaining to your kids. The kind of person who you say “who knows, one day you could be HER”. I hope you rest well, RBG, you must have been tired from changing the world.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) September 19, 2020
Okay, today we mourn a Lioness Of Light and Righteousness, tomorrow we fight like RBG did for us every single day. She would have it no other way. Rest In Power Justice RGB! We will prevail on your behalf.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) September 19, 2020
NY’s heart breaks with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
During her extraordinary career, this Brooklyn native broke barriers & the letters RBG took on new meaning—as battle cry & inspiration.
Her legal mind & dedication to justice leave an indelible mark on America.— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 19, 2020
Joining the whole nation tonight in mourning the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and an inspiration to so many. My prayers are with her family and friends.
— Mark Meadows (@MarkMeadows) September 19, 2020
Stunned, devastated, and crushed. Thank you, RBG, for a lifetime of service to building a better America. It’s impossible to express how much we will miss you.
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) September 18, 2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg led a remarkable life of consequence. She worked with passion & conviction, inspired many women, offered hope to other cancer survivors.
Prayers to her loved ones.
May She Rest In Peace.— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) September 19, 2020
— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) September 19, 2020
My daughter has a Ruth Bader Ginsburg “action” figure in her room and t-shirt in her wardrobe.
RBG was a hero and one of the most important women ever.
I’m devastated by the loss of RBG and terrified of the vile, horrible ghouls that will rush to replace her.
Fight like hell. pic.twitter.com/lXK9e4YZQM— Brian Altano (@agentbizzle) September 19, 2020
Her rest is earned. It is our turn to fight.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 19, 2020
RIP RBG. Gutted. Sad.
Grateful for all she did. And very very scared.— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) September 18, 2020
“So that’s the dissenter’s hope: that they are writing not for today but for tomorrow.”
My Shero, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has died.
To pay tribute, those who believe in equality & freedom must fight for the ideals she championed.
For her.
For us.
For generations to follow. pic.twitter.com/oHJOGSVZIy— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 19, 2020
I liked living in a world with John Lewis and RBG. It made us all better.
— Susan Glasser (@sbg1) September 19, 2020
If there is a God, may She bless and keep RBG.
— Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) September 18, 2020
NPR: “Do you have any regrets?”
RBG: “I think that I was born under a very bright star.”
We do too. Thank you, Justice Ginsburg. pic.twitter.com/vRk49IyVDq— Ava DuVernay (@ava) September 19, 2020
Rest in power to a feminist icon and American hero! Thank you Ruth Bader Ginsburg for your service, for working well BEYOND retirement until the very end because our country needed you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. https://t.co/cQgTwuafVJ
— Janet Mock (@janetmock) September 18, 2020
This is so painful. It’s scary. It’s a gut punch. RBG’s legacy teaches us the power of resilience and pushing against odds that seem insurmountable.
Giving up is not an option.
She fought and now we have to. #RIPRBG— Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (@malcolmkenyatta) September 19, 2020
I am that woman I am that girl we are that family who have benefited from her brilliance! Thank you! Rest in Power Notorious #RBG #RIPRBG https://t.co/6XACzc0srK
— Vanessa Williams (@NessaWilliams) September 19, 2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed away. The US Supreme Court has lost one of its most brilliant figures. She was a progressive woman who fought for real gender equality. My deepest condolences to her family, to the world of Justice and to the American people.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) September 19, 2020
RBG, you are a super hero🕊♥️For those that don’t know, she spent every day fighting for equal rights, women’s rights, LGTBQ+ rights, affordable healthcare AND MORE... Thank you for fighting for all of us. Thank you for being so brave. Your work will never go unappreciated. pic.twitter.com/TFHkANLVhG
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) September 19, 2020
Regardless of politics, all Americans -specially women- owe #RBG a debt of gratitude for moving the ball forward considerably on equal rights.
She lived her life as an example of perseverance and commitment to service.
Also, 2020 sucks.
I hate this interminably shitty year.— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) September 19, 2020
No one fought harder. We must continue in her footsteps. She refused to rest up until the bitter end. Neither should we. RIP the great, great, GREAT RBG. https://t.co/yaHwB59xOq
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) September 18, 2020
Just heard the worst news... so sad! Ruth Bader Ginsburg you will live in history forever. May you rest in peace. 😢🙏😢
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) September 19, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A model for fairness, rational thought, and progress. She will be missed more than we can yet imagine.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) September 18, 2020
She was my hero. I never got to meet her.
But I loved her and the way she moved through this world with such strength and grace and conviction.
Rest In Peace, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. #RIPRBG— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) September 19, 2020
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) September 19, 2020
Today couldn’t be sadder. A brilliant Jurist, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is gone. We must fight not to allow an Impeached Criminal to take her seat.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) September 18, 2020
YEP. Freak out tonight, pour one out, back at it twice as hard tomorrow. #RBG https://t.co/znb2FYkqWi
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 18, 2020
“A gender line...helps to keep women not on a pedestal, but in a cage."- Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Rest in Justice. pic.twitter.com/zdneRZGASk
— Maya Wiley (@mayawiley) September 18, 2020
Her legacy on this country's justice system, unparalleled. Her tenacity for ensuring this country lived up to its promise for equality, unmatched.
The loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a giant loss for our country. May she rest in peace.— Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) September 18, 2020
Thank you, RBG for devoting your life, love and legacy to the rule of law. What a trailblazer in every way. What an immeasurable loss in every way. We will honor you by voting to protect all that you stood for. #rbg #heartbroken
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) September 19, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, for whom my wife Caroline clerked & who married us 25 years ago, was an extraordinary trailblazer, a fighter and an inspiration
Our thoughts are with her family and all those she lifted. RIP #rbg pic.twitter.com/eQnyi4tC4v— Robert Malley (@Rob_Malley) September 18, 2020
The saddest news for justice & democracy. We have lost RBG, a great role model for women and our protector of equal rights. RIP Ruth Bader Ginsburg. May her spirit protect us from the unprincipled Senate Republicans reversing their Merrick Garland rule. Let's celebrate RBG life.
— Jill Wine-Banks (@JillWineBanks) September 18, 2020
Everyone freak out tonight. Everyone get to work tomorrow. Okay?
(fuck)#RBG— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 18, 2020
WHAT A LOSS. pic.twitter.com/5OIawSBY3B
— Julie Cohen (@FilmmakerJulie) September 18, 2020
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
Thank you, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We’ll keep pushing our way into all the places we’ve yet to be invited.— Brie Larson (@brielarson) September 19, 2020
I’m thinking today about Justice Ginsburg’s remark that there will be enough women on the Supreme Court when there are nine. History will remember #RBG as a trailblazer and a voice for liberty and equality.
— Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) September 18, 2020
We are saddened by the passing of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a role model in leadership excellence. We were honoured to publish a book with her earlier this year, in our I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE series. A luta continua. #RIPRBG pic.twitter.com/ziJFXOlStW
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) September 19, 2020
Rest In Peace, Justice Ginsburg. You served your country beautifully. An inspiration for women everywhere, and an example in how to befriend those across the aisle. Justice Scalia is waiting for you, cuing up the opera orchestra. #rbg
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) September 18, 2020
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." - Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) September 19, 2020
I’m literally crying! RBG was a hero and a truth teller. I’m so thankful for her life! Praying for her family & our county.
With that being said... how do we ensure the orange idiot doesn’t appoint someone to the court until the general election happens? https://t.co/k43MrLMDLN— Karamo (@Karamo) September 18, 2020
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a true champion of gender equality and was a strong woman for me and all the little girls of the world to look up to. pic.twitter.com/ta9RvhD2IT
— jlo (@JLo) September 19, 2020
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many amazing people … but there’s those select few where there’s an instinct inside you that tells you to pay close attention. And I did. When I met her I was hanging on to her every word…
— jlo (@JLo) September 19, 2020
I will always remember what she said to us the day we met her: “Be the best you.” It was simple yet profound. Thank you RBG for fighting all these years. We will honor you by continuing to fight for equality, empathy and justice for all. 💔 #RIPRBG ✨❤️✨
— jlo (@JLo) September 19, 2020
Justice Ginsburg was an idol to many including myself. She led a life of courage, authenticity, and selflessness for her country. Countlessly challenging the norms to set new precedents for people like you & I.
My heart goes out to her family. May her precious soul RIP.#RIPRBG— Councilwoman Roxy Ndebumadu (@roxyndebumadu) September 19, 2020
#RIPRBG 😔 What an incredible woman. Thank you for breaking down so many barriers for women, for standing up for LGBTQ+ equality and for devoting your life to making impactful change. Rest in peace, sweet angel. ❤️ XoP
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) September 19, 2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was in many ways the architect of a new way of thinking about equality, and we are better for it. She was a one and only. #RIPRBG
— Larry King (@kingsthings) September 19, 2020
Rest In Peace Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Thank you for everything you have done for women’s rights, you will be missed. #RIPRBG
— Bebe Rexha (@BebeRexha) September 19, 2020
We owe her.#RIPRBG
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) September 18, 2020
"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”
At the 2019 She Believes Cup, @beckysauerbrunn chose the name of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on her shirt, as @USWNT honoured iconic & influential women who inspired them. #RIPRBG pic.twitter.com/gVbtH9PpWK— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) September 19, 2020
I am crying. This one hurts so bad. She was good woman. A principled woman. She fought for the citizens of this country and for equality and equity for us all.
She was our shield.
She believed in us.
Please #Vote in honor of her.
Please. Please. #RIPRBG 💔— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 19, 2020
"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” - Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg #RIPRBG
Art by @MonicaAhanonuhttps://t.co/72oXCAx7Zz pic.twitter.com/mi5RbhYSU9— Instagram (@instagram) September 19, 2020
Thank you #RBG. Your work and life made so much possible for all of us. #ripRBG https://t.co/yFzwEyTeEs
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) September 19, 2020
Tonight it’s easy to get caught up in the possible impending dissolution of our democracy (I’m guilty of it), but I don’t want to forget what an amazing human Ruth Bader Ginsburg was. We should all strive to do so much good in this short life. #RIPRBG
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) September 19, 2020
In 2017, I was honored to attend a lecture by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at @GeorgetownLaw. #RBG was a pioneer for women and gender equality— graduating law school when there were only 9 female students and then becoming the 2nd woman Supreme Court Justice. #RIPRBG pic.twitter.com/Kbxyq5aaVJ
— Tiffany Ariana Trump (@TiffanyATrump) September 19, 2020
Tonight, our hearts are heavy. Rest in peace Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg #RIPRBG pic.twitter.com/m4wJqRymM2
— Southern Poverty Law Center (@splcenter) September 19, 2020
“Women belong in all places where decisions are made.” #RIPRBG pic.twitter.com/PAAKDTIZIf
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) September 19, 2020
Such awful news.
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
America. Protect her inspirational legacy. Fight for democracy and respect for others. Vote Trump out.#RIPRBG— David Schneider (@davidschneider) September 19, 2020
Related...
Ginsburg Penned Fierce Dissents In Fight For Civil, Voting And Women's Rights
Abortion Rights Groups Prepare To ‘Fight Like Hell’ In Wake Of Ginsburg's Death
Barack Obama Pays Tribute To Ruth Bader Ginsburg: She 'Fought To The End'
What Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Death Means For A Potentially Contested Election
News Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Death Interrupts Rosh Hashanah Services Nationwide
Mitch McConnell Promises Trump’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg Replacement Will Get A Vote
Donald Trump Calls Ruth Bader Ginsburg 'A Titan Of The Law'
Also on HuffPost
Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
