Columnist Molly Ivins Dies Fighting

Columnist and self-described "leftist agitator" Molly Ivins, 62, has died at home in Austin, Texas after a long battle with breast cancer.

She was first diagnosed in 1999 with stage III cancer. Over the past eight years she underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and many ups and downs in an effort to beat the cancer.

Last week, it was announced that her cancer was "back with a vengeance" and that she had been hospitalized. She entered hospice care and died on January 31st.

Her writing was often controversial. In a world of stiff political correctness, she wrote what she felt and made no apologies. She often skewered President Bush and members of his administration. President Bush made the following statement after her passing:

"I respected her convictions, her passionate belief in the power of words, and her ability to turn a phrase. She fought her illness with that same passion. Her quick wit and commitment to her beliefs will be missed."

A few years ago, she said:

"Keep fighting for freedom and justice, beloveds, but don't forget to have fun doin' it. Lord, let your laughter ring forth. Be outrageous, ridicule the fraidy-cats, rejoice in all the oddities that freedom can produce."

No matter what your political beliefs, you would do well to be as fearless as Molly Ivins.

Molly Ivins's Joyful Outrage
Goodbye, Molly

Tags: molly ivins, politics