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
PUBLISHED OCT 14, 2024
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.

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