When President Trump predicted that he may nominate four Supreme Court justices during his tenure, Twitter gave rise to a wave of collective concern from Ginsburg’s fans and followers. Did she need any help staying healthy? Did she need any organs? Whatever could be done for her to remain on the bench. Forever.
It wasn't forever, but Ginsburg hired clerks through 2020. At a talk in 2018, Ginsburg lamented the higher than normal percentage of sharp divisions on the bench, hoping to work toward more consensus.
She also predicted that she had at least five more years, following in the footsteps of retired Justice John Paul Stevens, who retired in 2010 at the age of 90. Ginsburg made it to 87, passing away at her home in Washington, D.C., from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Just days before her death, Ginsburg dictated a statement to her granddaughter Clara Spera: "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."
Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be hard to replace. But whatever happens in the future, rest assured, her place in history is secure.