From Cecil Roberts, UMWA president, today:

"The hearts and prayers of UMWA members and our families are with the family of our great friend, Hazel Dickens.

Hazel was a real inspiration to coal miners everywhere. She was always supportive of better jobs, better lives and a better future for coal miners and our communities, and didn't mind saying so. She was a strong, clear voice when we needed one, and was never at a loss for words when it came to describing the hard lives miners and their families endured.

Hazel supported the UMWA throughout her career. When we were on strike, she raised money to feed our families. When we were organizing, she sent messages of support and encouragement. When we fought to eliminate black lung disease, she stood with us.

Hazel was a child of the coalfields, yet she was a sister to us all. We will miss her terribly."

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/2011/04/22/sad-news-hazel-dickens-has-died/