NEW ORLEANS - Moon Landrieu, a former mayor of New Orleans and father of several statewide and national lawmakers, died Monday morning, according to WWL-TV. He was 92.

Landrieu, who became mayor in 1970 and served two terms, ushered in a new era of politics and government in that city. Among his biggest moves was hiring some of the first Black employees at City Hall. 

A lifelong politician, he served not only as mayor but in the Louisiana Legislature and on the New Orleans City Council. He was named President Jimmy Carter's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development after he left the mayor's office.

He was the father of nine children, including former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and Mitch Landrieu, former New Orleans mayor and Louisiana lieutenant governor. Mitch Landrieu now serves as President Joe Biden's infrastructure czar. 

Funeral arrangements are pending, WWL reported.

Gov. John Bel Edwards released the following statement:

"Moon Landrieu was a courageous and defining voice for Louisiana and his beloved hometown of New Orleans. As a newly-elected member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, he was the only member to vote against a 1960 bill that sought to defy federal integration orders.

"He served with unwavering integrity throughout his long and storied career of public service — especially as mayor of New Orleans, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and judge for the Louisiana Court of Appeal. Moon was never afraid to be the man in the arena, and it’s because of his bold vision that we and millions of annual visitors are able to enjoy the iconic landscape of New Orleans as we know it today.

"In addition to his many contributions to our state and nation, he leaves behind the most enduring legacy of all – a family that continues his fight for equality. Donna and I are praying for his wife of nearly sixty-eight years, Verna, and all of his loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren."

The New Orleans Saints also released a statement Monday:

The New Orleans Saints mourn the loss of Maurice E. “Moon” Landrieu, who served the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans as a public servant for five decades, including as mayor of New Orleans from 1970-78. Mr. Landrieu helped New Orleans evolve though a very important period for both the city and our nation as a whole.

A member of the New Orleans City Council during the establishment of the Saints franchise and mayor during the construction and opening of the Superdome as one of the biggest boosters of its downtown location, Mr. Landrieu was always one of the team’s biggest supporters. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Landrieu family.

Edwards has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of the funeral.