Gov. Phil Murphy spoke for the first time publicly on Friday following the death of Lt. Gov. Shelia Oliver.

The governor returned to New Jersey Thursday after being away in Italy for a family vacation. He then visited the Oliver family to pay his respects.

A full state funeral is planned for next Saturday. Murphy called Oliver like a “sister” to himself and first lady Tammy Murphy.

Murphy said he had an emotional reunion with Oliver’s family, including her 95-year-old mother. He said that Oliver’s legacy includes work on affordable housing and the state’s wealth gap. She also ran the state’s takeover of Atlantic City.

The governor said that it is up to those in public service to now continue Oliver’s work.

“It's up to all of us to live out her legacy, as she would have wanted it to be. To lead like Sheila led. To be the public servant that Sheila was. And to connect with everybody in this state, most importantly the folks most in need, too often left behind,” Murphy said.

The governor says that he recognized that he has to name a replacement for Oliver by Sept. 15, according to the state Constitution. But he says that for now the energies of his administration are focused on Oliver’s funeral.

Murphy is also expected to return to Italy to spend some time with his vacationing family before the funeral. This means that state Senate President Nick Scutari will likely serve as acting governor once again.