Lesley Gore, 1960s pop singer known for her hit It’s My Party, died Monday at 68 after battling lung cancer. According to her partner of 33 years, Lois Sasson, Gore died at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Sasson told the Associated Press that Gore was a “wonderful human being.” Sasson said she was “giving” and “caring,” and she added that Gore was a great woman, humanitarian, feminist and human being.

Gore began her career at age 16 when she was signed to Mercury Records by Quincy Jones. She produced her first single, It’s My Party, that same year. In 1963, her single hit the top of the Billboard 100. Gore’s single also helped create her next hit and quasi-sequel Judy’s Turn to Cry. According to Rolling Stone, the song sold more than one million copies in 1963.

Jones collaborated with Gore to produce the feminist anthem You Don’t Own Me and She’s a Fool in 1963. Both singles went platinum. She is also known for her singles Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows, Maybe I know and California Nights.

Gore disappeared from the scene in the 1970s, but she returned in 1980 when Out Here On My Own from the film Fame was nominated for best original song at the Academy Awards. She co-wrote the song with her brother Michael.

In 2005, Gore released her last album Ever Since. She was sure to include the hit that brought her into the spotlight It’s My Party.

Beyond the music world, Gore appeared in Catwoman’s gang on the TV series Batman, she received a degree in English literature and she appeared on Broadway in Smokey Joe’s Cafe. She also came out to the public while hosting several episodes of the PBS series In The Life. And she used her song You Don’t Own Me as a public service announcement to demand reproductive rights during the 2012 presidential campaign, according to Fox News. At the time of her death, Gore was working with playwright Mark Hampton to write a play of her life.