former governor ann richards dies at 73

Tonight, NTL grieves the loss of former Texas Governor Ann Richards, who was diagnosed with cancer in March. Cecile Richards announced her mother's death Wednesday at 7:50 p.m. Richards was 73.

Barbara Ann Radnofsky, the Democratic candidate running for U.S. Senate in Texas, mourned the loss of Ann Richards today. "We mourn the death of a great Texas leader, Ann Richards. She inspired the next generation. She championed vital causes and led with spirit, eloquence, humanity, wisdom and humor. May her memory be a blessing."

Richards was known for her biting wit. Of former President George H. W. Bush's verbal gaffes, she was quoted as saying, "Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." She was also a strong supporter of women, especially in politics. A feminist, she once said, "Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels."

Vince Leibowitz of Capitol Annex put it this way: "For the Texas political landscape to be without Ann Richards’ presence is like a field without bluebonnets."

Rest in peace, Ann. You will be sorely missed. Because of you, Texas will never be the same. Thank you for your service to our great state.

ann richards diagnosed with cancer

Ann Richards, a Democrat and former Governor of Texas, has been diagnosed with cancer. On Wednesday she announced that she had "been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and her treatment could include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of all three." Yesterday, she began treatment at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Richards, 72, was the 45th Governor of Texas, serving from 1991 to 1995. She was succeeded by George W. Bush. She went on to work at the bipartisan Public Strategies, Inc. in New York.

She has been known to fight illness with strength and candor. She admitted that she had once suffered from alcoholism and that she attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, but her spokesperson said that she quit drinking and smoking in 1980. She also wrote a memoir in 2003 about her battle with osteoporosis.

The present Governor of Texas, Republican Rick Perry, released a statement yesterday that reflects the feelings of Texans throughout the state as we hope for the best for our former leader.

"Ann Richards holds a special place in Texas history. [My wife] Anita and I join Texans across the state in sending our prayers and best wishes."

We at NTL also send our best to Ann Richards, a true Texas hero. Here's to a full recovery as you fight this battle... you've done it before and we're convinced that you can do it again.