AUSTIN (KXAN) — Cecile Richards, longtime head of Planned Parenthood and advocate for Democratic values, died Monday at age 67. Richards followed in the footsteps of her mother, former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, as a champion of abortion rights. Richards was battling brain cancer, a diagnosis she received in 2023. “This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie. Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives,” her family wrote in a statement. Born in Waco, Texas, Richard’s dedication to political activism started early on. As a teenager, she worked under Sarah Weddinton’s state assembly campaign, an attorney who had formally argued Roe v. Wade before the U.S. Supreme Court. As a student at Brown University, she studied history alongside fighting for Title IX and South African rights, according to her book Make Trouble. In 1995, Richards founded the Texas Freedom Network, an Austin-based grassroots organization of community leaders who support religious liberties, individual freedoms, and public education. Amid working as Nancy Pelosi’s Deputy Chief of Staff when she was House Democratic Whip, she was also the Founding President of America Votes, a progressive hub that worked to increase voter participation throughout the country. “Cecile was a true Texas giant whose work will continue to guide us as we push forward in the fight for justice, equality, and restoring reproductive freedom,” wrote Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa. From 2006 to 2018, Richards led the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a position that pushed her into national attention. She fought tirelessly in the position, defending Planned Parenthood’s abortion and fetal-tissue policies in 2015 during a contentious questionnaire by Republican U.S. House members on an investigative panel. Since retiring from that role, she remained engaged in democratic politics, including speaking at the Democratic National Convention in August. Democratic leaders from across Texas honored Richards during a press conference in Austin held for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Democratic leaders from across Travis County and Texas hold a press conference for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Austin. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Democratic leaders from across Travis County and Texas hold a press conference for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Austin. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) "A woman who lived out the ideals of Dr. King and worked tirelessly for democracy and justice," State Rep. Donna Howard said. "I've known Cecile for a little over 40 years... it is a life-cut-short, a voice that has been so powerful," U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett said. "To celebrate and honor Cecile. She and her family devoted their entire lives fighting to improve this country and this state, and although she isn't here with us today, that fight lives on, and I'm so excited and grateful to be able to carry that fight forward with all of you," Travis County District Attorney José Garza added.