The news of her death was discouraging to the point of despair. And yet, upon further reflection, I realized quickly that Cecile’s life should guide us.

The crusader for women’s and workers’ rights died Monday after a cruel illness. She inspires us to do the work ahead.

On Monday, hours before President-elect Donald Trump was sworn into office for a second time, Cecile Richards’ family confirmed the formidable feminist activist and former president of Planned Parenthood passed away at 67.

Cecile Richards, the organizer and activist who transformed Planned Parenthood into a political powerhouse, died on Monday at age 67. A year ago, Richards announced that she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer.

This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie,” her family said in a statement. “Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives.

Cecile Richards, a leading figure in the fight for women's reproductive rights and other progressive causes, died on Monday at age 67.

Cecile Richards, the longtime advocate for women’s rights who was president of Planned Parenthood, has died. She was 67.

Cecile Richards, a national leader for women's rights who led Planned Parenthood for 12 tumultuous years, has died.

Joe's Mika Brzezinski reflects on the death of Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president, and what lessons we can take from her legacy

Cecile Richards, a prominent advocate for abortion rights who served as president of Planned Parenthood for more than a decade, died on Monday. She was 67. Richards was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, in 2023. She died at home, "surrounded by family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie," Richards’ family said in a statement.

As we mourn the loss of activist, organizer, and former president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, I offer words of wisdom she shared with me in our interviews over the years.