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Women

Obama to Award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Sally Ride

President Obama announced Monday his intent to bestow a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, whose obituary revealed that she is survived by her female partner of 27 years.

Sunnivie Brydum

<p>Sunnivie is an award-winning journalist and the managing editor at <em>The Advocate</em>. A proud spouse and puppy-parent, Sunnivie strives to queer up the world of reporting while covering the politics of equality daily.</p>

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Sunnivie Brydum

sunnivie

May 20 2013 5:52 PM EST

November 08 2024 6:38 AM EST

President Obama announced Monday his intent to bestow a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, whose obituary revealed was survived by her female partner of 27 years.

"We remember Sally Ride not just as a national hero, but as a role model to generations of young women," said President Obama in a statement. "Sally inspired us to reach for the stars, and she advocated for a greater focus on the science, technology, engineering and math that would help us get there. Sally showed us that there are no limits to what we can achieve, and I look forward to welcoming her family to the White House as we celebrate her life and legacy.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, bestowed upon individuals "who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," according to a press release from the White House. The release noted that the White House informed Ride's partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, and Ride's mother and sister about the award last week. The award will be presented at a ceremony at the White House later this year.