Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at the age of 87

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at the age of 87 and in cities across the nation last night, candle light vigils were held in her honor.

In cities across the nation last night, candleight vigils were held in her honor.

The announcement of her death came out around 7:30 last night..and reaction came pouring in immediatley for ginsburg who was appointed to the high court by president clinton in 1993.

She died at her home in washington, d.c.

With her family by her side.....she had been battling cancer.

Ginsburg was 87 years old.

This morning the nation is reacting to the news.

And washington is already gearing up for a fight over whether she'll be replaced before november's election.

Nbc's tracie potts has more now from washington.

Crowds quickly gathered at the u-s supreme court to remember justice ruth bader ginsburg.

Colleagues call her a "champion of justice."

S/ anna bode :11-:14 i sobbed on my friend's rooftop.

(but to) this is really devastating.

President trump acknowledging the loss.

S/ president donald trump :17-:28 she led an amazing life.

What else can you say?

She led an amazing life.

She was an amazing woman.

Justice ginsburg spent much of her career - including more than a quarter century on the nation's highest court - fighting for equality.

S/ justice ruth bader ginsburg / us supreme court :38-:45 .

None .

None "how wrong it is to judge people on the basis of what they look like."

The second female on the supreme court, she helped end male-only college admissions... supported reproductive rights... the lgbt-q community... and spoke out about the "me too" movement.

S/ joe biden / (d) presidential nominee : 58-1:08 she never failed.

She was fierce and unflinching in her pursuit of legal rights for everyone.

She became an icon of pop culture...in the book "the notorious r-b-g"... and parodied on "saturday night live": s/ lenora lapidus / aclu - women's rights project 1:16-1:23 there's this whole new generation of young people really admire her and think of her as - you know - kind of a rock star.

Ginsburg fought pancreatic cancer... repeatedly hospitalized..

Then returning to work.

S/ nina totenberg, npr scotus reporter 1:31-1:37 i think she really did want to last until this election was over.

Friends say ginsburg never wanted the court politicized.

But now, her death may do just that.

Senate majority leader mitch mconnell is already promising a vote on president trump's nominee... which threatens to upset the liberal- conservative balance of the high urt... beforenovember's elk state came quick last night.

First governor cuomo on ginsburg's passing.... he said..."new york's heart breaks with the passing of justice ruth bader ginsberg.

She was a daughter of brooyn and the bodiment of allhat it means to be new york tough -- yet her life was a testament that tough does not preclude acting with respect, grace, and dignity.

I know i speak for the entire family of new york when i say we are absolutely devastated by this loss.

Senator kirsten gilibrand said...."the world has lost a giant.

A brilliant jurist, a resolute champion for justice and a trailblazer for women's rights, ruth bader ginsburg has left a legacy that will echo through history.

Justice ginsburg will forever be a feminist icon who inspired generations of young women--myself included-- to follow their dreams, break through barriers and never let gender stand in the way."

Congressman anthony brindisi issued the following statement..."ruth bader ginsburg was a giant among giants.

Her sharp legal mind, pioneering accomplishments, and fighting spirit left a long-lasting and beneficial mark on this country.

She will be sorely missed.

Erica and i are sending our thoughts and sympathies to her loved ones at this difficult time."

And finally... claudia tenney, brindisi's opponent and former 22nd district congresswoman said quote.... "i am deeply saddened by the passing of justice ruth bader ginsburg.

She was a fierce advocate and a trailblazer for women in public service.

Justice ginsberg was a distinguished jurist who wrote the landmark sherrill decision, one of the most pivotal in our community.

While i disagreed with many of her legal views, rbg was a brilliant and tenacious justice who earned my utmost respect."

Nbc news will have much more on the passing of justice ruth bader ginsburg tonight on the nbc nightly news.

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