IRON MOUNTAIN — Dolly Cook, who has served more than three decades as Dickinson County’s clerk-register of deeds, will retire effective Feb. 28.

Controller Brian Bousley shared the news Monday during the county board’s Zoom meeting and noted Circuit Court Judge Mary Barglind is required by state statute to name a successor. Cook reached the difficult decision to retire in order to spend more time with family, Bousley said.

Commissioners offered high praise for Cook, a Democrat who has been in office since Nov. 12, 1990.

Joe Stevens, a Republican, said Cook is “at the top of the list” of local leaders.

“Thank you, it’s been wonderful every day. I’ll miss you all,” said Cook, audibly fighting back tears.

Republican Barbara Kramer offered a virtual hug and joked that maybe not all days were wonderful.

“The rest builds character,” said Cook, who was honored a year ago at a courthouse reception celebrating 30 years on the job. She currently is the longest-serving county clerk in Michigan.

During the 2020 reception, state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, presented a resolution saluting Cook as one of the most knowledgeable clerks in the state who “freely shares her passion, advocacy and assistance.”

Bousley said a packet will be available in his office for anyone interested in applying for the position. Although Cook was reelected without opposition to a four-year term in November, the office now will go on the November 2022 ballot.