Penny Ann Early died at age 80 in Tennessee, having been a pioneering female jockey.
Penny Ann Early passed away on June 23, 2023, in Tennessee at the age of 80. Her death marked the end of a remarkable journey as a pioneering female athlete who shattered significant barriers in sports. As one of the first licensed female jockeys and the first woman to play in a men's professional basketball league, her legacy is marked by courage and hope for better inclusivity in sports. Posthumously, she is remembered for her contributions to the advancement and visibility of women in competitive arenas.