Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in October 2019. Erin Clark for The Boston Globe via Getty Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at the age of 87 on Friday due to complications from cancer. Ginsburg was the second woman appointed to the United States' highest court and served for 27 years, becoming a judicial, progressive, feminist, and pop culture icon. Lawmakers from across the aisle praised Ginsburg and her legal legacy. Several Democrats also called for the vacancy she leaves on the Supreme Court not to be filled until after November's election, reigniting a high-stakes political battle. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Chief Justice John Roberts Chief Justice John Roberts in 2016. Andrew Harnik / AP "Our nation has lost a jurist of historic stature.