This article has been updated.
Alice King, the wife of former Gov. Bruce King and a tireless advocate on behalf of children, died tonight after suffering a massive stroke on Thursday. She was 78.
Her death was announced in a news release from her son, state Attorney General Gary King.
“On behalf of the entire family, I want to thank the many people who have been so supportive and for all their prayers,” Gary King said in the release. “We will let everyone know about public funeral arrangements as soon as possible. No one could have cared more for all New Mexico children and all of our citizens. We will all miss her dearly.”
Gov. Bill Richardson immediately ordered that state flags be lowered in memory of the former first lady.
“This is a sad day for all New Mexicans because we lost a true friend in Alice King,” Richardson said in a release. “Alice’s impact on the state she loved will always be felt, particularly for the vulnerable children who are better off as a result of her compassion and tireless advocacy. Barbara and I will miss Alice dearly, and our prayers are with the King family.”
Alice King founded the New Mexico Girls Ranch and the New Mexico Children’s Foundation. According to Gary King’s release, his mother was the driving force behind the creation of the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department, “and her dream was that all state services that support children could be coordinated in such a way as to improve all of their lives.” She was also chair of the New Mexico Children’s Trust Fund and a major supporter of Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, in a statement released by her office, said Alice King “led the fight for our most vulnerable children, dedicating her life to bringing much-needed services and programs to victims of domestic abuse.”
“Through her incredible career in public service, she has left a legacy of responsibility and care for New Mexico’s families,” Denish said. “Her work will continue through the New Mexico Children’s Foundation and the Children, Youth and Families Department.”
Alice King, according to Gary King’s news release, was surrounded tonight by her husband and two sons (the other being Bill King) and their families, and she passed away peacefully. She was being treated at an Albuquerque hospital.
Alice and Bruce King, according to The Santa Fe New Mexican, married in 1947. Bruce King served as governor for three separate terms in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
Update, Dec. 8, 10:50 a.m.
U.S. Rep.-elect Ben Ray Luján said in a news release that Alice King’s death is “a loss for our entire state.”
“Alice King devoted herself to bettering New Mexico and fighting for disadvantaged children,” he said. “The people of New Mexico will miss Alice King’s compassion, but her work and many significant contributions will leave a lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with the King family.”
Update, Dec. 8, 12:05 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici issued the following statement:
“Nancy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Alice King. She was a class act and simply a wonderful woman,” he said. “Alice was always gracious to us, and I count myself blessed to have known her and Bruce for so many years. Anyone who met Alice knew that she was the bedrock foundation for Bruce and their family, and she demonstrated both strength and limitless care across New Mexico. Our hearts now go out to Bruce and the King family as they mourn their loss. We join the entire state in remembering the life of this exceptional woman.”
Update, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.
Here’s video of an interview Alice and Bruce King gave to Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Kate Nash in July:
Update, Dec. 8, 3:25 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman delivered this speech today on the Senate floor:
“Last night, Alice King, one of New Mexico’s most respected and best loved citizens, died as a result of a stroke. This is a tremendous loss to our state, certainly to her husband, former Gov. Bruce King and her sons, Bill and Gary and all of the family. Anyone who has lived in New Mexico for any amount of time in recent decades has actually felt that they were part of the King family.
“Republicans and Democrats alike, ranchers, lawyers, pipefitters or schoolchildren, the Kings knew virtually everyone in our state. Everyone in our state felt they knew the Kings. Our state has benefited from the decades of public service that many members of the family have given, led by Bruce and Alice.
“Bruce was governor three times in three different decades and by his side, always, was his partner, Alice. He was at her side last night.
“She was always more than just the governor’s wife. She was a leader in our state on children’s issues. She was the force behind the creation of a cabinet-level department — the Department of Children, Youth and Families. A vigorous, tireless, undaunted advocate for children, she lifted them and their issues to the top of our state’s list of priorities and she was their champion.
“New Mexico has lost an invaluable citizen, one whose accomplishments are part of our history and part of our future. She was a great person, and a great friend to many, including my wife and me. We join the King family in grieving the loss of this wonderful woman and remembering her with appreciation and love.”
Meanwhile, Brian Colón, chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, released this statement:
“New Mexico lost one of it great public servants on Sunday, First Lady Alice King. She was a champion for New Mexico’s children and inspired everyone she met,” he said. “As New Mexico mourns the loss of one of its most compassionate advocates, our thoughts and prayers are with the King family.”
Update, Dec. 8, 4:10 p.m.
New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez released this statement:
“I was saddened to learn of the death of First Lady Alice King. She truly exemplified the meaning of a public servant,” he said. “We are fortunate that her love of the state and its citizens benefited so many. Her dedication to all New Mexicans, especially the most vulnerable, continued even after she and Gov. King left the public arena. Her legacy will live on. My deepest sympathies go out to Gov. King and the entire King family.”