Sports world mourns the passing of legendary broadcaster Phyllis George

The hits keep coming around the sports world. A year that has already been defined by tragedy and loss took another turn on Saturday.

It’s being reported that legendary and groundbreaking journalist Phyllis George has passed away at the age of 70 following a decades-long bout with a blood disorder.

George is best known as the former First Lady of Kentucky. She married John Y. Brown Jr. back in 1979, days before his successful candidacy for the Governorship of the state began.

George is widely respected around the sports world, too. The former Miss America winner (1971) became the first woman to have a prominent role in nationally televised sports coverage after being hired by CBS to co-host “The NFL Today” back in 1974.

Needless to say, those around the sports world had a lot of great things to say about Mrs. George following her passing.

RIP Phyllis George. She came to my house to interview me before Super Bowl 16. My son still remembers that day. We will never forget that moment when she showed up in our driveway . #kentucky
— Ken Anderson (@KenAndersonNFL) May 16, 2020

Phyllis George, former Kentucky first lady and Miss America, dies at 70 ; so sad to hear this, as Phyllis broke barriers for women in Sports Television. It wasn’t easy, and well documented that many made it tough on her. Proud to have known her. 🙏🙏RIP. https://t.co/hW7Uojec0F
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) May 16, 2020

Rest In Peace Phyllis George 🙏🏻. A true pioneer who approached her job with enthusiasm, empathy and humour. She was herself-charming and funny ..helped her audiences connect with some of the great sports figures of the day. Condolences to her family & all who loved her. ❤️
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) May 16, 2020

Phyllis George. Legend. Pioneer #RIP pic.twitter.com/3lNSJtP8HG
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 16, 2020

Just spoke with longtime NFL Today reporter and host. Pat O’Brien on the passing of Phyllis George. “Millions should pause and thank her for being a pioneer in television and football and more. She was a lovely and I’ll miss her” pic.twitter.com/EcbJqOo6Dn
— LeslieAnne Wade (@LeslieAnneWade) May 16, 2020

RIP Phyllis George, a pioneering sports broadcaster, a former Miss America and the First Lady of Kentucky

She was the first woman ever on a NFL Broadcast pic.twitter.com/yGmXHypfvu
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 16, 2020

Phyllis George was a pioneer for women in the sports media. Her impact will last FOREVER.

Today, we say goodbye 🙏

RIP 💜 Phyllis pic.twitter.com/MXQnCtyj7Y
— Alej G (@Cinephile420) May 16, 2020

So sad that Phyllis George passed away. Met her a couple of times and she was a lovely person. I just found out that Pamela Brown, CNN reporter, is her daughter. Now that I know that I can really see resemblance. Condolences to the family.
— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) May 16, 2020

It’s unbelievable to think that Phyllis George was on the NFL Today and First Lady of Kentucky at the same time.

An amazing life, she passed away at the age of 70 at the UK Hospital. pic.twitter.com/bq2vR5kyQ9
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 16, 2020

RIP Phyllis George, a pioneering sports broadcaster who in the ‘70s got Roger Staubach to say in an interview that he enjoyed sex as much as Joe Namath but that he just did it with one woman. 😳
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) May 16, 2020

Phyllis George, a former Miss America and one of the first women to have a national role in television sports as a co-host of "The NFL Today," has died in Lexington after an illness. She was 70. And she was, and always will be, a legend.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 16, 2020