Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dictated Her Deathbed Wish to Her Granddaughter
"My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."
"I have to somehow surmount whatever is going on in my body and concentrate on the court's work." That was Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2019, speaking about being treated for pancreatic cancer. And even on her deathbed, Ginsburg was focused on the court's work: Per NPR, she dictated a message to her granddaughter, Clara Spera, in the days before her death: "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."
Ginsburg knew the consequences of her death. Indeed, she's joked about the speculation, saying in 2019: "There was a senator—I think it was after the pancreatic cancer—who announced with great glee that I was going to be dead within six months. That senator—whose name I've forgotten—is now himself dead. And I am very much alive."
It's no secret that Ginsburg tried her hardest to make sure that President Trump would not be able to replace her on the Supreme Court. Diligent about her health, Ginsburg had described her personal trainer as the most important person in her life (she lost her husband in 2010). Indeed, that personal trainer, Bryant Johnson, published a book about the one-hour workout the two had been doing for almost two decades, titled The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong and You Can Too. (It's a pretty intense workout; two different young, self-described fit reporters who tried it noted that it was challenging.)
Ginsburg knew that if Trump was able to replace her on the Supreme Court with a conservative-leaning justice—the third Supreme Court justice he would appoint—the court would lean more conservative than ever, with six of the justices generally leaning conservative, three leaning liberal. Because Supreme Court justices often stay on the bench for decades (Ginsburg herself was there for 27 years), remaining there until their death or, more rarely, their retirement, the appointment of a Supreme Court justice can in many ways be more impactful than a single presidency.
Just last week, Trump released an updated list of Supreme Court justices. The question now becomes: Will the president try to push a conservative nominee through before the election—and, if he loses the election to Joe Biden, before he leaves office in January? And if so, what kind of political showdown could follow?
Related Stories
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Vanessa and Dave Quit 'The Ultimatum' Season 3 Early—Here's Why They Left, In Their Own Words
The influencer and the copywriter are among the most-talked-about on this season of the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Meghan Markle Disproves a Common Misconception About Manicures
White nails—they're not just a summer manicure trend anymore.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
There's Nothing Ironic About Tibi's Boat and Tote
The brand elevated a fashion-editor favorite by several degrees.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
A Nationwide Reaction to the 2024 Election
How are people feeling in this moment? Marie Claire spoke to folks across the country to find out what they were thinking as they cast their votes and waited to hear the results.
By The Editors Published
-
The Historic Election Victories Worth Celebrating
Including momentous firsts, abortion protections, and New York's "Equal Rights Amendment."
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kamala Harris Has Lost the 2024 Presidential Election
It's official.
By Jenny Hollander Published
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages
Carroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil Suit
A jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Last updated
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich Published