Former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who took over the office to become the second female governor in state history after her predecessor resigned amid a corruption scandal, has died. She was 78.

Former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell died on Wednesday after a brief illness, according to her family. They said she died at a Florida hospital. She was 78 years old.  Gov. Ned Lamont is calling for U.

She was lieutenant governor when her boss, Gov. John G. Rowland, resigned in a corruption scandal. The second woman to lead the state, she was later elected in her own right.