Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood, has died at the age of 67. She was a women's rights advocate and figure who served as the organization's president from 2006 to 2018.
© Getty ImagesRichards' death was confirmed by her family, who shared that she died hours before Donald Trump was sworn in as President.
“This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie," reads their statement. "Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives."
The statement continued with the family's thanks to the “doctors and health care workers who provided her excellent care and the friends, family, and well-wishers who have been by her side during this challenging time."
While a cause of death wasn't revealed, Richards was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer that's incredibly aggressive and incurable. Patients affected by the illness have a life expectancy of 12 to 18 months.
© Getty ImagesMore details about Richards' trailblazing career
Richards was born in Texas and played a key figure in making Planned Parenthood one of the country's most respected forces in providing health care to women and girls. She was the daughter of Ann Richards, a politician who also served as Texas' governor.
Following her departure from Planned Parenthood, Richards founded Supermajority, an organization that champions women's leadership efforts. She was also involved in the development of Charley, a bot that provides accurate information related to abortion, and the campaign Abortion in America.
In 2024, she was granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. "What a joy and a privilege it is to be part of the long struggle to make our country a fairer and more hopeful place," wrote Richards in an Instagram post after receiving the honor.
