Sheila Oliver, the lieutenant governor of New Jersey, has died.

She was 71.

Oliver had a number of firsts to her name.

Among them New Jersey's first Black female and first Democratic female Assembly Speaker from 2010 to 2014.

Most recently, Oliver made history serving as the first Black lieutenant governor.

She was born and raised in Newark, but spent most of her life living in East Orange, dedicating her career to service, working for nonprofits, as a teacher at Essex County College, and ultimately spending 27 years holding various public offices.

She represented urban Essex County in the New Jersey Legislature for over a decade before being tapped by Governor Murphy to be his running mate in 2017.

The governor said in a statement today, picking Oliver was the best decision he ever made.

She was just the second Black woman to lead a state legislative house in the nation.

As part of her role, Oliver led the Department of Community Affairs and managed to the state takeover of Atlantic City.

On Monday, the Murphy administration announced Oliver had been hospitalized for an undisclosed medical condition and declined any additional details.

Her friends and colleagues are remembering her today as a tireless advocate for social justice, women's rights and underserved communities.

The Oliver family in a statement called her a hero who leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service and inspiration.

Adding funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.

Murphy has cut a family vacation to Italy short and is returning to the state.

Senate President Nick Scutari is serving as acting governor in the meantime.

Governor Murphy now has 45 days to select a new lieutenant governor.