PHOENIX, AZ — Sandra Day O’Connor, the “young cowgirl” who went on to become the first woman on the Supreme Court, has announced she was diagnosed with the beginning stages of dementia, “probably Alzheimer’s disease.” O’Connor, who retired 12 years ago from the high court, added in a statement Tuesday that her illness will force her to withdraw from public life.
O’Connor, 88, was nominated to the bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. She was a key swing vote in the high court for nearly a quarter of a century and her vote tilted the court on several hot-button issues, including abortion.
In making her announcement, O’ Connor stressed that she wanted to share some thoughts while she was still able, including the importance for everyone to understand the Constitution and unique system of government. She also highlighted the importance of people to be active participants in their communities.
“It is through this shared understanding of who we are that we can follow the approaches that have served us best over time — working collaboratively together in communities and in government to solve problems, putting country and the common good above party and self-interest, and holding our key governmental institutions accountable,” wrote O’Connor.
She said she is no longer able to lead efforts to teach kids about civid learning and engagement and stressed it’s time for new leaders to take up the cause. O’Connor hopes the federal government will work with private citizens, counties and states to to establish — and fund — a nationwide civics education initiative.
She retired after learning her husband, John O’Connor III, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His diagnoses played a large role in her decision, The New York Times reported. John O’Connor died in 2009.
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Sandra Day O’Connor said she will continue living in Phoenix for her “final chapter,” surrounded by friends and family.
“While the final chapter of my life with dementia may be trying, nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessing in my life,” she wrote.
Photo: WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 25: Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 25, 2012 in Washington, DC. O’Connor spoke to the necessity for civics education in maintaining an independent judiciary. The former associate justice also expressed doubt about the process in some states of electing judges, and about the validity of asking Supreme Court nominees how they would vote in the future. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)