Pelosi Statement on Passing of Cecile Richards

San Francisco - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of her former Deputy Chief of Staff Cecile Richards:

"Today, Paul and I and the entire Pelosi family are mourning the loss of a formidable champion of women, girls and working families: Cecile Richards.

"It was my privilege to work directly with Cecile for many years and to I have a front-row seat to her sharp intellect, strategic thinking and relentless effectiveness. As my deputy chief of staff when I was Democratic Whip and Leader, she was a critical part of ensuring that Team Pelosi stayed connected to the needs and priorities of grassroots. As she ascended to other leadership roles, we never stopped working together to defend the rights of women and working families.

"Politics and public service were in Cecile's DNA as the daughter of the indomitable Ann Richards - and she will be remembered as a commanding leader in her own right, whose good works have improved countless lives all across the country. May it be a comfort to her loving husband Kirk, her dear children Lily, Hannah and Daniel, and her darling grandchild that so many join them in mourning and pray for them during this sad time."