Legendary journalist John Seigenthaler, who fought for civil rights and championed the 1st Amendment, died Friday at the age of 86.
"John Seigenthaler stood for truth and justice. A staunch advocate of civil rights for all people and perhaps the greatest defender of the 1st Amendment right of freedom of speech since the adoption of the United States Constitution, he leaves a remarkable legacy. I am particularly grateful for his faith in the Judicial branch of government. His role in the preservation of a fair and impartial judiciary deserves special recognition from those of us who benefitted from his dedication to the greater good of all Tennesseans. John Seigenthaler and Howard Baker, whose deaths occurred only days apart, were giants among those of us in the legal profession. And now each has passed into the ages of American history."
- Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade
Seigenthaler's funeral is scheduled for Monday in Nashville.