California's iconic labor leader, Dolores Huerta, has died at the age of 96, her family said on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of community activism that her protgs say should last on because of how she led and trained them.

Dolores Huerta dies at 96 What they're saying: "As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for us, and we ask for privacy as we grieve this incredible loss to our family," her family said in a statement.

"We know that many of you around the world share in our mourning, and we will be following up on plans to recognize and celebrate her incredible life and legacy." Co-founder of UFW Dig deeper: As co-founder of what eventually became the United Farm Workers union, Huerta was the face of a movement that for decades aimed to empower the lives of workers through higher wages, health benefits, pensions and improved safety.