'Horrifically symbolic': Feminists mourn the death of women's rights icon Cecile Richards

On the eve of Donald Trump's second presidency, longtime women's rights activist Cecile Richards passed away after a fight with brain cancer.

Richards was the daughter of with former Texas governor Ann Richards, a powerhouse in Democratic politics who ended her time as governor mocking the intellect of George W. Bush. She and Cecile Richards then became a kind of double threat in the fight for women's rights. Richards took over Planned Parenthood in 2006 and battled the "war on women."

In a post from her family on social media, they remembered Richard saying about the impending Trump presidency: “It’s not hard to imagine future generations one day asking: ‘When there was so much at stake for our country, what did you do?’ The only acceptable answer is: ‘Everything we could.'"

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It was a comment that moved MSNBC host Alecia Menendez, and she cited the quote on BlueSky, saying, "Rest well."

"She was an amazing woman. This was taken at the DNC in Chicago this year. Cecile fought for women’s rights. Hard. Millions of women benefited from her courage and determination. Cecile Richards made her mom proud. RIP," said former Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) on BlueSky.

MSNBC host Joy Reid similarly expressed her heartbreak, "So sad to hear that Cecile Richards has passed at just 67 years old. She was a fighter and a stalwart for the rights of women, just like her mom. Thankfully she lived to see a president affirm the #equalrightsamendment as the 28th Amendment."

"Cecile Richards dying on the day of Trump's inauguration feels horrifically symbolic," said features editor and writer Alisha Grauso.

"Oh my God. Cecile Richards was from Waco, Texas. My hometown. She’s with her mother Ann, now. You fought for your state and your country. May her memory be a blessing," said Texas criminal defense attorney Sara Spector.

Texan Matthew Dowd recalled his longtime friendship with Richards, saying, "oh dang, so sad news. my good friend Cecile Richards has passed away. Have known her since 1986, and helped her in 1990 to elect her mom as Governor of Texas. The last governor of Texas who cared about all Texans. RIP Cecile. We will miss you."

"Cecile Richard’s was a warrior for women’s rights, but also incredibly kind and generous with her mentorship and advice. As a former Texan, I revered Cecile and her mother, Ann Richards, and getting to know Cecile was the honor of a lifetime," said Shannon Watts of Mom's Demand Action.

"I am so deeply saddened by the news of our dear friend, @CecileRichards , passing. She was a light, a champion, a force for good. As her family says below - to honor her legacy and life, let’s do everything we can in this moment to create the just world that everyone deserves. Rest in power dear friend," former Texas state senator and feminist Wendy Davis said.

"As if today wasn’t bad enough, the passing of Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood leader, is beyond tragic for all women in US. Her powerful voice for women’s freedom has been silenced. Rest in power, dear friend," said former Congresswoman Jackie Speier on X.