By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey's Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, has passed away at the age of 71 after being hospitalized for an undisclosed medical issue.
During her brief absence, Democratic Senate President Nicholas Scutari took over the role of acting governor as per the state constitution.
The family of Sheila Oliver shared a heartfelt statement, expressing their sadness and remembering her as a distinguished public servant and beloved family member.
"It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey. She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero.
As we come to terms with this profound loss, we kindly request that you respect the privacy of the Oliver family during this difficult time as they grieve their beloved Sheila.
Sheila Y. Oliver leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration.
We will remember her commitment to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community.
Further information and details regarding memorial arrangements will be provided in due course. Until then, we appreciate your understanding and support. May her memory be a source of comfort and strength to all who knew her."
They requested privacy during their time of grieving as they honor her legacy of dedication and service to the people of New Jersey.
Governor Phil Murphy paid tribute to Lt. Gov. Oliver, praising her trailblazing achievements and the significant impact she had on the state's history.
He fondly remembered selecting her as his running mate in 2017, recognizing her as the perfect partner to lead New Jersey due to her decades of public service.
"When I selected her to be my running mate in 2017, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She had already made history as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly and just the second Black woman in the nation's history to lead a house of a state legislature. I knew then that her decades of public service made her the ideal partner for me to lead the State of New Jersey. It was the best decision I ever made."