They say that behind every great man stands a great woman, and nothing could be more true when describing the life of Coretta Scott King.

Sadly, the flag outside the King Center is waving at half-staff today, in honor of the passing of Mrs. King, who died peacefully last night in her sleep at age 78.

After her husband's assassination, Mrs. King stood alone, but with effort and passion continued the campaign for civil rights, as well as confronting issues such as violence and hunger.

"I'm more determined than ever that my husband's dream will become a reality," King said soon after his slaying, a demonstration of the strong will that lay beneath the placid calm and dignity of her character.

Normally, we wait for the New York Times obituary to run, but since former mayor Andrew Young oddly broke the news on the Today Show this morning, we guess the Times will have to wait until tomorrow.

It is our hope that senators, mayors, and other political figures will find it possible to hold their crazy tongues for a few days, and not use this event to throw around words like "plantation" "chocolate city" or "delicious drink" in the days to come.

Coretta Scott King, 78, Dies [Errin Haines, AP News]