HILL: The first woman to sit on the nation's highest court just announced she's been diagnosed with dementia. Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor revealing that news in a letter to her high-court colleagues. CNN's Supreme Court reporter, Ariane De Vogue has more.</s>ARIANE DE VOGUE, CNN SUPREME COURT REPORTER: Erica, in a letter, retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said she's been diagnosed with the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease. She said she's going to stay in Arizona. She wrote a very poignant letter. She said, "While the final chapter of my life with dementia may be trying, nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessings of my life." And she signed that letter herself. Keep in mind, it was back in 2981, President Ronald Reagan nominated her to the bench. She was the first female to serve. In 2006, she retired to care for her husband. Both her husband and President Ronald Reagan had the disease of Alzheimer's. She became a very strong advocate to fight for it. She was a woman who blazed trail. She inspired generations of female lawyers, including the current three women who currently serve on the Supreme Court. Ronald Reagan, when he nominated her, he called her truly a person of all seasons. Remember, she grew up on the Lazy B Ranch. She always pushed for ideas of self-reliance and independence. On the bench, she served for a long time as a swing vote and she cast key votes such as issues such as abortion and affirmative action. The court is a very small community. And Chief Justice Roberts released his own statement today. He called her a towering figure in the history of the United States and, indeed, the world -- Erica?</s>HILL: Our Ariane de Vogue with the latest for us there.
Former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Diagnosed with Dementia.