The 64th United States Secretary of State, Madeleine Korbel Albright, died on Wednesday, according to a statement released by her family.
Albright, who was the first female US Secretary of State, was 84 years old at her death.
The statement, posted to her official Twitter page, stated that Albright died of cancer.
“We are heartbroken to announce that Dr. Madeleine K. Albright, the 64th U.S. Secretary of State and the first female to hold that position, passed away earlier today,” the statement read in part.
“The cause was cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends. We have lost a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.”