Madeleine Albright, who in 1997 grew to become the primary lady to function U.S. secretary of state, died of most cancers on Wednesday. Present and former politicians from the U.S. and overseas mourned Albright's demise.
Former President Invoice Clinton, who selected Albright to guide the State Division, was one of many first to launch a press release Wednesday afternoon.
"Hillary and I are profoundly saddened by the passing of Madeleine Albright," the assertion mentioned. "She was one of many best Secretaries of State, an excellent UN Ambassador, an excellent professor, and a rare human being."
Clinton added that Albright was a good friend of theirs, saying she gave them "sensible counsel" for years.
"Madeleine's passing is an immense loss to the world in a time after we want the teachings of her life essentially the most, however we all know her legacy will stay on via all the scholars she taught so effectively at Georgetown, everybody who was impressed by her exceptional journey from refugee to Secretary of State, and the many individuals world wide who're alive and dwelling higher lives due to her service," he mentioned.
Condoleezza Rice, who below President George W. Bush grew to become the second lady to function U.S. secretary of state, referred to as Albright "an American big whose life and legacy will likely be remembered for generations to return."
"She was not solely a trailblazer for ladies worldwide, however a fearless fighter for freedom on behalf of all humanity," Rice mentioned in a press release. "For me personally, I've misplaced a useful colleague and a really expensive good friend who I'll miss tremendously."
Bush mentioned he was "heartbroken" by the information of Albright's demise.
"She served with distinction as a foreign-born overseas minister who understood firsthand the significance of free societies for peace in our world," the previous president wrote in a assertion on his web site. "I respect her love of nation and public service, and Laura and I are grateful to have referred to as Madeleine Albright our good friend."
In a assertion, former President Barack Obama mentioned Albright "was a champion for democratic values."
"It is due to folks like Madeleine that the story of America is, finally, one among hope — an upward journey," Obama wrote.
The White Home additionally launched a press release Wednesday night.
"Madeleine Albright was a drive," President Biden wrote. "Hers had been the fingers that turned the tide of historical past."
"After I consider Madeleine, I'll all the time bear in mind her fervent religion that 'America is the indispensable nation,'" the president added.
Present Secretary of State Antony Blinken referred to as Albright a "good diplomat, a visionary chief, a brave trailblazer, a devoted mentor, and an awesome and good one who beloved the US deeply and devoted her life to serving it."
"After leaving the State Division, when requested if she was relieved to not be coping with crises world wide, she'd say merely, 'I miss it day by day,'" Blinken wrote. "She beloved this nation. She beloved this Division. And we beloved her again."
CIA Director William J. Burns wrote "the US has misplaced a exceptional public servant, a beautiful position mannequin for generations, and an eloquent voice in our nationwide discourse."
"Above all, Secretary Albright was deeply happy with having served as our nation's first feminine secretary of state, however her legacy was a lot extra," Burns mentioned. "Terribly hardworking and adept at managing robust challenges and even harder folks, she had an uncanny skill to interrupt down advanced points in a sensible and relatable manner."
Jens Stoltenberg, the pinnacle of NATO, tweeted in response to the information.
"Saddened to listen to the information of @Madeleine Albright's demise. She was a drive for freedom, an outspoken champion of #NATO, an inspirational colleague and good friend," he wrote. "My deepest condolences to her household & the American folks."
Chairman of the Home Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff tweeted that Albright was a "private good friend and visionary" and "one of many fiercest champions of democratic values and human rights in historical past."
The Albright Stonebridge Group, which Albright co-founded and chaired, additionally tweeted its condolences.
"She was an unparalleled drive in world affairs, American diplomacy, and the worldwide enterprise group, and will likely be dearly missed."
Albright's alma mater, Wellesley School, issued a assertion Wednesday afternoon saying her demise was a "heartbreaking loss for our nation and for Wellesley."