Former President Clinton to Speak at Oklahoma Governor Nigh Memorial

Former President Bill Clinton will deliver a eulogy at the memorial service for former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh, held Thursday at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. Nigh, who died at age 98, served as Oklahoma governor and was known for opening the door for women on the state Supreme Court. Clinton and Nigh were contemporaneous governors of Arkansas and Oklahoma in the 1980s and collaborated on projects like the Arkansas River Navigation Project, as well as lobbying for federal funds to improve highways, economic development, and aid for low-income residents. Clinton's attendance marks a rare honor, as it has been over six decades since a sitting or former president attended such a service for a state official, highlighting Nigh's significant legacy. Other eulogies will be given by longtime friends and historians, and the service will feature a performance by Oklahoma native opera star Leona Mitchell. Clinton's visit reflects not only professional respect but a nearly 50-year friendship between the two leaders.