North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek made this statement:

"Margaret Rose Sanford was truly the First Lady of North Carolina for almost half a century. In addition to her lifetime supporting her husband in his political and academic endeavors, Mrs. Sanford will be remembered for her strong support of philanthropic and artistic causes. The Sanfords embodied all that is good in our State and their moderation helped lead us through some of our most turbulent times. On behalf of the North Carolina Democratic Party, our thoughts are with the Sanford family, especially James Terry Sanford Jr. and Betsee Sanford, during this time."