* Sad news…

Former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne has died, a source tells Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed.

Chicago’s first and only female mayor had been in hospice for about a week.

* Neil Steinberg has a balanced, but wonderfully written obit on the Sun-Times site…

Jane Byrne was not mighty, like her mentor, Richard J. Daley.

She was not beloved, like her successor, Harold Washington.

Nor was she long-serving, like her bitter rival, Richard M. Daley.

But she was mayor, Chicago’s first and only female mayor — making Chicago the largest city in the United States to elect a female chief executive — serving a single, tempestuous term, ushering the city into the 1980s, leaving her own colorful legacy during a time of political change, social upheaval and financial crisis.

Go read the whole thing.

* And the tributes are coming in. Mayor Emanuel…

“With the passing of Mayor Jane Byrne, the City of Chicago has lost a great trailblazer.

Mayor Byrne was a Chicago icon who lived a remarkable life of service to our city. From signing the first ordinance to get handguns off of our streets, to bringing more transparency to the City’s budget, to creating the Taste of Chicago, Mayor Byrne leaves a large and lasting legacy. And as the first woman to serve as Mayor, she will always have a special place in our history.

I was deeply honored that she attended my inauguration, and, in turn, it was my privilege to sign our City’s ordinance officially dedicating the plaza surrounding our iconic Water Tower in her honor.

The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with her daughter Kathy and her many friends at this difficult time.”

Governor-elect Bruce Rauner…

“I’m saddened to learn of the death of Mayor Byrne. She was a pioneer and will be missed by all. The City of Chicago owes her a huge debt of gratitude. My thoughts and prayers are with her daughter, Kathy, and her family.”

* Gov. Pat Quinn…

“Jane Byrne leaves a legacy of tireless service to Chicago that will never be forgotten.

“Her work on behalf of the city’s children and underserved communities has meant thousands of Chicago citizens are better off today because of Jane’s heartfelt dedication.

“The city’s first and only female mayor, Jane Byrne was a barrier breaker and a role model for countless women who had stared too long through the glass ceiling.

“She brought transparency to the city budget process, was Chicago’s first mayor to march in the Gay Pride Parade and was the nation’s first big-city mayor to successfully enact a ban on handguns.

“Renaming the Circle Interchange in honor of the former mayor has rightfully placed Jane Byrne among the city’s iconic leaders.

“Jane Byrne was a fearless trailblazer who has made our state a better place. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with her daughter Kathy, grandson William and their entire family today.”

* Secretary of State Jesse White…

The City of Chicago lost a dedicated public servant today in Mayor Jane Byrne. As Chicago’s first and only female mayor, Jane Byrne was a trailblazer. Her love for the city of Chicago was immeasurable.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. Jane Byrne will be missed.

* Sen. Dick Durbin…

“When Jane Byrne moved into Cabrini Green, she proved Chicago’s first woman mayor was unafraid to tackle the city’s toughest problems head on. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.”

* Commissioner John Daley…

Mayor Jane Byrne was a courageous advocate for the City of Chicago. She was a trailblazer for women in public service, and her legacy will have a lasting impact on our great city.

On behalf of my family, I extend our deepest condolences to Jane’s daughter Kathy, her grandson William, and the entire Byrne family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.