Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor says Justice Anthony Kennedy was passionate about the Constitution and the court.

"It is undeniable that he has had a monumental effect on the law," she said in a statement.

She continued: "I have witnessed his love and dedication to his family and know that he will cherish spending more time with them. I will miss working with him dearly, but I know he will continue to be a roaring lion, even as he takes senior status."

Justice Elena Kagan also weighed in on Kennedy's retirement.