Cecile Richards, Former President of Planned Parenthood, Has Died — Details & Her Last Post

Prominent figures in social justice are paying tribute to Cecile Richards following her family’s announcement of her death, a year after she revealed her diagnosis.

Cecile Richards, a pioneering advocate for women’s reproductive rights, passed away peacefully on January 20 at the age of 67, her family announced in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Richards is survived by her husband, Kirk Adams, and their three children, Lily, Hannah, and Daniel.

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

They thanked the healthcare workers for their compassionate care and acknowledged the support of friends and family throughout her illness. In their statement, they encouraged others to celebrate her life.

"If you'd like to celebrate Cecile today, we invite you to put on some New Orleans jazz, gather with friends and family over a good meal, and remember something she said a lot over the last year: '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,'" the family shared.

Richards revealed her diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in a January 28, 2024 interview with The Cut. The diagnosis came at a pivotal moment for her family, as her eldest daughter, Lily, gave birth to Richards' first grandchild, Teddy, while Richards underwent surgery.

Despite the challenges, Richards approached her condition with courage and humor, determined to focus on the time she had left. "I am sleeping. I'm eating. I'm having fun. I'm working. It's like Pinocchio I'm a real boy, and that feels really good," Richards said in the interview, adding, "Because six months ago, I didn't know that this was possible."

Richards credited her twice-weekly clinical trial infusions for helping her stay optimistic, emphasizing her determination to do whatever it took to keep going.

"It's totally manageable, but these things are unpredictable. So I feel like it has helped me focus on what I want to do with the time I have. And I'm excited. I've been blessed," she explained.

The diagnosis also brought back memories of her mother, former Texas Governor Ann Richards, who passed away from cancer shortly after Cecile began working at Planned Parenthood, the nation's leading provider of affordable sexual and reproductive health care, operating nearly 600 health centers that serve millions of patients annually.

In her memoir, Richards described her mother's cancer diagnosis as a turning point, as it was the first time her mother acknowledged "human frailty." She added, "Vulnerability — that was just not who she wanted to be. And looking back on it, I think it made it so much harder for her because she was lonely at the end."

Determined to handle her diagnosis differently, Richards shared the news with friends and colleagues in an upbeat video, joking about her "crazy Frankenstein scar."

Richards spent her final year treasuring family and meaningful moments. On December 25, 2024, she shared photos of her favorite memories, including one of her holding her grandson while walking by the water.

She also shared a joyous scene from her son Daniel's wedding in May 2024, showing the bride and groom walking hand-in-hand amid cheerful guests holding umbrellas.

Another picture featured Richards in a vibrant yellow-pink gown, posing with smiling relatives during her son's wedding day.

The former activist also shared a special moment of her grandson meeting the 46th U.S. President, Joe Biden.

Tributes poured in on Instagram for Richards. Journalist Katie Couric expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, calling Richards "a national leader for women's rights and social and economic justice." She also highlighted Richards' advocacy for Planned Parenthood, where she served as president from 2006 to 2018.

Couric remembered Richards delivered a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on reproductive rights, "When women are free to make their own decisions about their lives and to follow our dreams, we are unstoppable. But when Roe v. Wade was overturned, a generation of young people lost that freedom."

She also highlighted Richards' work in creating Abortion in America, a website detailing the impact of abortion bans, and Charley ChatBot, which helps people access personalized abortion information.

Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama, described Cecile Richards as "a force of nature" who brought "joy, determination and wisdom to every arena where she fought." She praised Richards' role in securing protections for women's health in the Affordable Care Act that improved the lives of countless Americans.

Jarrett reflected on Richards' ability to inspire, "Few people ran this race better than Cecile. Her example inspired millions, and today young people across the country are picking up the baton." She also recalled Richards' unwavering support during late-night strategy calls, emphasizing her commitment to meaningful change.

Along with her tribute, Jarrett shared a photo of herself with Richards, "The last time I saw Cecile we took this photo. She was full of spunk, humor, and wisdom. RIP, my friend."

Activist and strategist Brittany N. Packnett Cunningham also honored Richards's courage, "Oh, friend. You fought until the very last minute. And you were generous enough to make that fight for us all. What a light. Your memory will always be a blessing, just as you have been."

Richards will be remembered for her leadership, dedication to reproductive rights, and the deep connections she shared with her family and community.