"I'm holding up well because my sister has fulfilled her mission. She gave her life as Martin gave his — for the cause of freedom and human dignity and human liberation. ... I was told that she slept away. She was nonviolent to the end. No struggle. Peace. It's comforting. She's at peace now. ... She was determined that I would have [an 80th birthday] tribute. I had a big celebration on Sept 4, 2005. One hundred ninety-two people came from all over the country. It was fabulous, and it was Coretta's idea. But on Aug. 14, when she had the stroke, she was unable to attend. ... She was there in spirit, and she did sing "Happy Birthday" to me on the speaker phone, and it came out clearly. It a moment of heaven on earth."

Edythe Scott Bagley, sister of Mrs. King

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"Today is a tragic loss for America, especially those who are still living from the civil rights era. The passing of Coretta Scott King reminds us not only where we were, but how far we have come as a people. She will be terribly missed."

Rep. Stan Watson (D-Decatur), chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus

"This state, this country, and this world have lost a beacon of freedom today. Mrs. King was an inspiration who championed her husband's message of equal rights and peace up until her last days. She touched the lives of an entire generation and through her efforts made this world a better place. She was also a proud, loving mother of four children and we are all at a deep loss to hear the news of her passing. For many years I had an opportunity as Chairman of the Georgia Martin Luther King State Holiday Commission to work with her so I fully understand her impact on the lives of our state and nation."

State Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus

"Corretta Scott King was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of our time. While her husband was the public face of the civil rights movement, no person is that successful without strong support at home. She was the anchor on which he depended, allowing him to reach historic triumphs.

"Coretta Scott King, along with thousands of others, took a morally courageous stand to end segregation in our nation and fought for equal treatment for all citizens under the law. Mrs. King was a gracious and kind woman whose calm, measured words rose above the din of political rhetoric. For decades, she proudly bore the force of her husband's legacy. Now she has passed it on to a new generation to keep the dream alive. Mary and I mourn the passing of this dynamic leader."

Gov. Sonny Perdue

"An angel of hope has taken flight. She will be sorely missed — a distinguished voice in history. I knew her for more than 40 years. To observe her handle the highs and lows of life with dignity was a lesson, watching someone master fate with faith. She endured that pain with unusual strength and character. She helped to carry the baton of that struggle for the rest of her life. She single-handedly built the King Center; more than that, her voice for justice at home and peace in the world remained constant."

The Rev. Jesse Jackson

"The loss of Coretta Scott King is a monumental loss to the nation and the world at large. She was truly the first lady of the human rights movement. For those of us that were too young to get to know Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. very well, we got to know Coretta Scott King as a compassionate, caring, yet firm matriarch of the movement for justice. She was kind and gentle with impeccable grace and dignity, yet firm and strong and immovable under issues that she and her husband committed their lives to. I would often say in her presence there wouldn't have been a Martin Luther King and a civil rights movement without the quiet dignity of a Coretta Scott King that survived house bombings, threats, and even the assassination of her husband but kept the family together and kept the movement going. I will treasure the many moments I spent with her and will pray that she has found peace with God that eluded her on Earth. The only thing worse than losing her is if we had never had her."

The Rev. Al Sharpton

"The angels came to take her home. I could not be what I am today without the legacy of Coretta Scott King. We would not have the King holiday today, we would not have this center if it were not for her."

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones, who was placing flowers at the King Center reflecting pool.

"The people who write the Webster's Dictionary should replace the words 'dignity' and 'courage' with a picture of Coretta Scott King. I don't think she'd mind."

James Young, president and CEO of Citizen's Trust Bank, who recalled how a business transaction with Mrs. King took "only five minutes" but they talked about the civil rights movement for several hours.

"I want to see their work continue."

State Rep. Douglas Dean (D-Atlanta).

"I don't want any of you to be sad today ... Today is a day of celebration because we've had the first lady of the civil rights movement with us for almost 80 years. We should be grateful and honored that we had this opportunity to know and work with this lady many years. This is a woman who in her own right will be placed on the same mantel as her husband. Mrs. King was just a country girl from small-town Perry [County], Ala. Mrs. King has had a global impact. If we want to..we should carry on their work. Let's make this a better world for all of God's children. That's how we pay tribute to Mrs. King."

State Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta), president of the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials.

"We give you thanks for the life of your servant, Coretta Scott King. We thank you for the model of leadership offered by her husband, Martin, one who sought fully to be your servant and one who put his faith into action with transforming results, which began a blessing for the whole nation. We ask you to comfort her family and this nation in our loss this day."

Liza B. Forney, a parish associate at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta, offering a prayer on the floor of the state House.

"Rosalynn and I are saddened to learn of the death of Coretta Scott King. A partner with her husband as he fought for equality for his people, throughout her life Mrs. King has been a mainstay of the movement for nonviolent political change. She was a strong, caring, and inspirational woman, whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come. Our prayers are with her family and friends in this time of grief.

Former President Jimmy Carter

"I really appreciate Dr. King's wife carrying that message forward for him and his family, and all that they have done to protect that legacy."

Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams (R-Lyons)

"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that Julianne and I learned of the passing of Mrs. King. She was a devoted wife, mother, and strong leader in the civil rights movement. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire King family at this sorrowful time."

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.)