Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood and fierce defender of reproductive rights, has died at 67 after a battle with brain cancer. Richards was a labor and voting organizer before leading Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018,

The activist modernized Planned Parenthood and transformed the organization into a formidable political player.

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