Bill Clinton Pays Tribute To ‘Extraordinary Human Being’ Madeleine Albright

On Tuesday, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright passed away at the age of 84. Her family posted a statement to her Twitter account announcing that she had passed away from cancer surrounded by friends and family.

Albright was a refugee from Prague who became the first female Secretary of State to serve under then-President Bill Clinton, who took to Twitter to post a lengthy statement expressing his condolences for her passing.

“Hillary and I are profoundly saddened by the passing of Madeleine Albright,” he began. “She was one of the finest Secretaries of State, an outstanding UN Ambassador, a brilliant professor, and an extraordinary human being.”

“Few leaders have been so perfectly suited for the times in which they served,” he continued. “As a child in war-torn Europe, Madeleine and her family were twice forced to flee their home. When the end of the Cold War ushered in a new era of global interdependence, she became America’s voice at the UN, then took the helm at the State Department, where she was a passionate force for freedom, democracy, and human rights.”

“Because she knew firsthand that America’s policy decisions had the power to make a difference in people’s lives around the world, she saw her jobs as both an obligation and an opportunity,” he went on. “And she made the most of them in advancing peace, security, and shared prosperity: ending ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo; supporting the expansion of NATO into Central Europe; fighting the proliferation of nuclear weapons; broadening U.S. efforts to strengthen civil society, reduce poverty, and relieve debt in developing countries; elevating concerns about climate change and environmental degradation on the world stage; and much more. And throughout it all, even until our last conversation just two weeks ago, she never lost her great sense of humor or her determination to go out with her boots on, supporting Ukraine in its fight to preserve freedom and democracy.”

“Hillary and I will always be deeply grateful for the wonderful friendship we shared and the unfailing wise counsel she gave us over so many years,” he added.

“Madeleine’s passing is an immense loss to the world in a time when we need the lessons of her life the most, but we know her legacy will live on through all the students she taught so well at Georgetown, everyone who was inspired by her remarkable journey from refugee to Secretary of State, and the many people around the world who are alive and living better lives because of her service.”

“Almost three years ago, we took our last trip together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kosovo’s fight for independence, when they dedicated a statue of her in downtown Pristina. She had a richly deserved happy day,” he concluded. “Our thoughts are with Alice, Anne, and Katie; her grandchildren; her brother John and sister Kathy; and everyone who loved her as we did.”

Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg tweeted, “At a time when refugees are fleeing a brutal war of aggression, Madeleine Albright’s inspiring life is a powerful reminder of how those who arrive here with nothing but dreams have made our nation stronger and our world more peaceful.”

Senator Sherrod Brown tweeted, “Madeleine Albright was a brilliant diplomat, trailblazer, and advocate for human rights all over the world. Her legacy will live on in all the women she inspired to lead our foreign policy today and in the future. Sending my condolences to her loved ones.”

Senator Mitt Romney tweeted, “Madeleine Albright’s life story is one of resoluteness and a reflection of the bright promises of democracy. Rest in Peace to the refugee who went on to become the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. Her family and loved ones are in our prayers.”

Senator Chris Coons tweeted, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and mentor, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a giant of American diplomacy and a fierce advocate for democracy and human rights.”

Former ambassador to the Czech Republic, Andrew Schapiro, tweeted, “Madeleine Albright’s courage and vision made her not only an essential source of advice (and friendship) for me, but also an irreplaceable voice of reason and warning for the world. And she was still at it. Her passing is a tremendous loss.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren tweeted, “Madeleine Albright came to America as a refugee and broke barriers as the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. She was a powerful champion for human rights and democracy, and she inspired generations of future leaders. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones.”