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SALT LAKE CITY — Jan Graham, Utah's 18th attorney general and the only female attorney general in state history, has died.
Graham, 74, died at her home in St. George on Monday after battling cancer since 2014, when she was told she had six months to five years left.
"We are so proud and grateful to have gotten 10 amazing years filled with memorable trips and passion projects with minimal side effects from treatment," her obituary reads. "She never stopped living her life to the fullest and was fiercely independent till the very end."
"She was an adoring mother, a devoted wife, a dependable friend and an adventurous spirit," the tribute says. "She was widely admired by all who knew her for her humor, brilliance and warmheartedness."
Graham served as attorney general from 1993 to 2001. Her election in 1996 was also the last time a Democrat won a statewide office.
She was a founding member of Women Lawyers of Utah. In a speech to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the group, she said, "As we all evolved, women felt empowered to honestly disclose their own priorities without fear of being labeled second-class lawyers. Being 'married to the practice of law' used to be an honor; now it's a sign of one's need to visit a therapist."
"Women and men still struggle to do it all," Graham continued, "and most of us feel at least some of the time we are botching both jobs. Even so, we have come miles from the day when moms had to make up excuses for heading home to a child with a fever."
Former Utah Senate Minority Leader Scott Howell, who served alongside Graham in the state Senate, said in a Thursday statement to KSL, "Utah mourns the loss of a remarkable public servant with the passing of Attorney General Jan Graham. Jan Graham's legacy is one of unwavering dedication to justice, exemplifying a profound commitment to the well-being of her community."
In his time collaborating with Graham on "numerous challenging issues," Howell said "she consistently prioritized the law above all, going beyond any other policy initiatives in our efforts. Her moral compass and integrity never wavered. Her contributions to the legal field and her enduring impact on the lives she touched will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. May her memory continue to inspire a legacy of justice and compassion."
The Utah Senate Democrats released a statement Thursday night that said Graham "shattered barriers" and paved the way for future generations of women in public office.
"As one of the few female state leaders and a Democrat, Jan Graham's legacy inspires me and my work, which focuses on the well-being of women and children," Sen. Luz Escamilla said. "Jan Graham's impact on our state and her commitment to advocating for our children will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time."
The Utah Senate Democrats' statement emphasized Graham's dedication to justice in the realm of domestic violence advocacy including the "Safe at Home" program.
Utah House Minority Leader Angela Romero said Graham holds a significant place in Utah's political history.
"She was a steadfast advocate for speaking directly with the people, prioritizing their voices over political interests," Romero said. "As we mourn her passing, we honor Jan Graham's enduring legacy of advocacy and service, which continues to inspire us all."
Attorney General Sean Reyes said Graham served with "distinction" as the solicitor general and attorney general and said she "vigorously defended" Utah laws.
"The passing of Attorney General Jan Graham is a titanic loss for Utah's legal community and our extended Utah Attorney General family," he said.
Reyes said Graham was a "historic" legal and political figure who "championed noteworthy causes as attorney general that continue to benefit many in Utah."
Reyes praised Graham's role in "groundbreaking" litigation with large tobacco companies and laying the foundation for programs like the Children's Justice Centers.
Gov. Spencer Cox called Graham a "trailblazer."
"Abby and I are grateful for her public service and express condolences to her family," he said.
