Bill and Hillary Clinton on Elizabeth Taylor: “We will miss her talent, her heart and her friendship.”

President Bill Clinton presented Elizabeth Taylor with the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001 for her AIDS activism. He and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton paid tribute to Miss Taylor in this lengthy statement:

“With the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, America has lost one of its greatest talents and fiercest advocates for HIV/AIDS research. Born in England, Elizabeth became thoroughly American royalty. For more than a generation, she brought to life unforgettable characters on film, and her tireless efforts to combat AIDS brought hope to millions of people around the world. We were honored to host her at the White House in 2001 when she received the Presidential Citizens Medal for her relentless crusade for more AIDS research and better care. In founding amfAR, she raised both millions of dollars and our level of awareness about the impact of AIDS in the United States and around the world. Elizabeth’s legacy will live on in many people around the world whose lives will be longer and better because of her work and the ongoing efforts of those she inspired. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and her many fans. We will miss her talent, her heart and her friendship.”