Lilly Ledbetter dies at 86, Barack Obama pays tribute to the women's rights and equal pay activist

Barack Obama recalled signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 into law
Former president Barack Obama honored women's rights activist Lilly Ledbetter on her death at 86 (Getty Images)
Former president Barack Obama honored women's rights activist Lilly Ledbetter on her death at 86 (Getty Images)

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA: Women’s rights activist Lilly Ledbetter had died at age 86, confirmed her family representative.

The advocate for equal pay for women succumbed to respiratory failure on Saturday night, October 13, in her hometown in Alabama.

“She was surrounded by her family and loved ones. Our mother lived an extraordinary life," the family said in a statement, reported NBC News.

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 04: Lilly Ledbetter speaks during day one of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 4, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC that will run through September 7, will nominate U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Lilly Ledbetter died in her home state Alabama on October 12 (Getty Images)

Barack Obama remembers Lilly Ledbetter, shares about Fair Pay Act of 2009

Barack Obama also paid homage to Lilly Ledbetter over her impeccable work towards pushing equal pay for decades.

"Lilly Ledbetter never set out to be a trailblazer or a household name. She just wanted to be paid the same as a man for her hard work. But this grandmother from Alabama kept on fighting until the day I signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law – my first as president,” Obama wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Lilly Ledbetter (L) speaks in the East Room of the White House along with U.S. President Barack Obama before he signs an executive order banning federal contractors from retaliating against employees during an event in honor of 'Equal Pay Day' on April 8, 2014 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Barack Obama makes remarks in the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C. April 8, 2014. Obama signs an Executive Order prohibiting federal contractors from retaliating against employees who choose (Photo by Ken Cedeno/Corbis via Getty Images)
Lilly Ledbetter and Barack Obama worked together in 2009 (Ken Cedeno/Corbis, Getty Images)

The former president added, “Lilly did what so many Americans before her have done: setting her sights high for herself and even higher for her children and grandchildren. Michelle [Obama] and I are grateful for her advocacy and her friendship, and we send our love and prayers to her family and everyone who is continuing the fight that she began.”



 

Internet praises Lilly Ledbetter’s contribution as Barack Obama honors the activist

Netizens remembered Lilly Ledbetter on her death for advocating equal pay.

A user commented on X, "Thank you for signing this act If you love Obama and support Kamala I want to connect IFB," referring to the Fair Pay Act in 2009.

"Lilly Ledbetter’s determination is truly inspiring. Her fight for equality has paved the way for so many, and her legacy will continue to impact future generations. Grateful for trailblazers like her who never gave up!" another user said.

An individual remarked, "Thank you for honoring Lilly Ledbetter. Her legacy of equality inspires us all."

"Lilly’s courage reminds us all that progress is built by those who refuse to accept inequality. Her legacy will inspire generations to keep pushing for fairness," one person joined. 

A user expressed, "Wow what a beautiful Images over their, hey mister @BarackObama we are really missing your presidency.. We love you sir."

"Love that humanity, it makes Barrack a great person even greater than a President," penned another.



 



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Vice President JD Vance used the town hall to promote Jon Husted's candidacy and called his opponent Sherrod Brown, a 'lunatic'
2026-10-30T21:04:05.000Z
The case stems from President Donald Trump’s ambition to transform East Potomac Golf Links into an exclusive, championship-caliber golf course capable of hosting major professional tournaments
2026-10-30T19:59:06.000Z
The South Carolina race shifted from favoring GOP nominee Darline Graham in early forecasts to a tight contest with Democrat Annie Andrews
2026-10-30T18:48:18.000Z
Amid speculation about the president’s reasons for scaling back his midterm travel schedule, the White House confirmed on Friday, October 30, that Trump would hold in-person rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Sunday, November 1
2026-10-30T16:58:15.000Z
The development follows an investigative report alleging that Democratic campaign operatives secretly recruited a so-called “spoiler” candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., whose name resembles that of the incumbent senator
2026-10-30T15:59:41.000Z
Trump has repeatedly hinted that the US could renew military action against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections
2026-10-30T08:02:12.000Z
During her speech, Kamala Harris criticized the Trump administration, accusing it of displaying unprecedented levels of brutality and ignorance
2026-10-30T06:45:08.000Z
Elon Musk and major Trump-aligned super PACs helped Republicans build a $2.1 billion fundraising lead over Democratic groups
2026-10-30T06:42:48.000Z
Vivek Ramaswamy added that he wanted the final stretch of the gubernatorial campaign to focus on policy rather than 30-second political advertisements
2026-10-30T05:41:31.000Z
Alina Habba's four-year agreement with Julio Herrera Velutini's family came weeks before Trump granted the Venezuelan billionaire a full pardon
2026-10-30T05:25:44.000Z