SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of famed New Mexican author Rudolfo Anaya:

“I am deeply saddened today to hear of the death of Rudolfo Anaya, one of New Mexico’s greatest artists, a seminal figure in our state’s rich literary history. Through his indelible stories, Rudolfo Anaya, perhaps better than any other author, truly captured what it means to be a New Mexican, what it means to be born here, grow up here and live here. His life’s work amounts to an incredible contribution to the great culture and fabric of our state – not only through his prodigious literary contributions but through his decades as an educator at the University of New Mexico.

“I am especially grateful to have had the opportunity to sign legislation creating “Rudolfo Anaya I Love to Read Day,” highlighting children’s literary education, and to have been able to celebrate that commemoration with his family. While his passing is a great loss for New Mexico, his life and his work was an incredible gift, not just to New Mexico but to the world. His words and stories will be treasured forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”