Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court justice, announced on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with dementia.
O'Connor, a centrist on the conservative-leaning court, was appointed by Republican former President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and retired in 2006.
"Some time ago, doctors diagnosed me with the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease," O'Connor, 88, said in a letter issued by the court.
As a result of the diagnosis, O'Connor said she has withdrawn from public life.
"I will continue living in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by dear friends and family. While the final chapter of my life with dementia may be trying, nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessings in my life," O'Connor added.