The first woman to serve as US attorney general has died.

Janet Reno, 78, died from complications resulting from Parkinson's disease on Monday morning, her goddaughter Gabrielle D'Alemberte said.

She was one of Bill Clinton's most recognisable employees, working with the former President for eight years - helping assist during many controversies and scandals of his tenure, which included his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Reno spent her final days surrounded by family and friends at home in Miami.