The View , Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O'Donnell honor Barbara Walters: 'She'll be forever remembered and missed'
The cast of The View, Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, and more have paid tribute to the late Barbara Walters.
The legendary broadcast journalist — who, among her many achievements, became the first female network news co-anchor and created the daytime talk show The View — died at her home in New York City at the age of 93 on Dec. 30.
Following the announcement of Walters' death, journalists, actors, athletes, her The View cohosts, and more took to social media to remember the trailblazing news icon.
Leon Bennett/WireImage; Taylor Hill/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, and more have paid tribute to the late Barbara Walters.
"[The View] family is so very lucky to have called Barbara Walters our creator, colleague, and friend. We're heartbroken at the news of her passing," the series wrote in a statement on social media. "She was a pioneering television icon that shattered many glass ceilings as a woman in the industry, including creating The View in 1997 to champion women's voices. We're proud to be part of her legacy. She'll be forever remembered and missed."
.@TheView family is so very lucky to have called Barbara Walters our creator, colleague and friend. We’re heartbroken at the news of her passing. pic.twitter.com/sPMk6ZCcoE
— The View (@TheView) December 31, 2022
In an emotional Instagram post, Oprah Winfrey said, "Without Barbara Walters, there wouldn't have been me — nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news." She continued, "She was indeed a trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time. Grateful that she was such a powerful and gracious role model. Grateful to have known her. Grateful to have followed in her light."
Past and present cast members of The View also honored the show's creator, including Sunny Hostin, who mourned the loss of her "mentor and colleague" while abroad in Ghana.
"The world has lost a remarkable woman today," she wrote. "I am heartbroken to hear of Barbara's passing. She was an extraordinary, meticulous, and no-nonsense journalist with a wicked sense of humor. She shattered countless glass ceilings, and did it with grace and humility. While I'm deeply saddened by this loss and will miss her terribly, I'm forever grateful for the trails she blazed for me and so many others. I'm humbled and honored to carry on her legacy. Rest in Power."
Sherri Shepherd shared her appreciation for Walters for giving her the "chance of a lifetime" on the show. "Thank you for allowing me to find my voice and encouraging me to fly," she wrote. "My heart hurts, but I'll always love you, lady!"
Thank you Barbara Walters for giving a shy girl who didn’t like to debate a seven-year chance of a lifetime. Thank You for allowing me to find my voice and encouraging me to fly. My heart hurts, but I’ll always love you Lady! ❤️ #BarbaraWalters pic.twitter.com/lzvtRnJiR4
— Sherri Shepherd (@sherrieshepherd) December 31, 2022
And Meghan McCain recalled how Walters' "hard-hitting questions and welcoming demeanor made her a household name and leader in American journalism" throughout her decades-long career. "She was the ultimate ceiling breaker for women in television for which we all were lucky enough to follow," she wrote. "Her creation of The View is something I will always be appreciative of. Rest in peace. You will forever be an icon."
In her tribute, Sara Haines thanked Walters for creating opportunities with The View. "When she got her seat at the table, she decided to build her own new table," Haines wrote. "It is my honor that I get to take a seat at that table every day at The View. Thank you for paving the way for all of us who come after."
On Instagram, Alyssa Farah Griffin revealed the mental motto she adopted after becoming a cohost on the show: "What Would Barbara Walters Do?"
"I repeat it in my head all the time to remind myself to keep my poise, grace, and composure," she wrote. "She paved the way for so many of us, and for that I'm forever grateful. Her legacy will live on."
Former View star Rosie O'Donnell took to social media to share two tributes to Walters, first posting a photo of the pair together before sharing a video in which she reflected on being "lucky enough to be in [Walters'] orbit for a good many years" during her life after O'Donnell left the show. "May she rest in peace and may everyone remember just what barriers she broke down for women," O'Donnell said. "She really did. She was the first, and will always be remembered."
Although they had a long friendship, the pair had fallouts in the past. After Donald Trump lambasted O'Donnell for her comments about him on The View in 2007, she and Walters reportedly butted heads backstage because O'Donnell thought Walters hadn't stood up for her enough. That same year, according to Ramin Setoodeh's book Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of The View, Walters reportedly leaked a portion of O'Donnell's second memoir, Celebrity Detox, to the New York Post because she wasn't happy with the way O'Donnell characterized her, and even threatened to leave the show if O'Donnell returned the following season.
Meanwhile, fellow journalists including Katie Couric recognized Walters' "unparalleled" body of work, with Couric sharing the "kindness and encouragement" she received from her along the way.
"As I wrote in my book, she liked to say we were similar — that neither of us was particularly glamorous. I never quite knew how to take that!" Couric joked. "But the fact that Barbara saw some of her on me was nothing but a compliment. Thank you for everything, Barbara."
Diane Sawyer remembered "my friend and road buddy" and honored her contributions to journalism in a statement, writing, "Sadness. Gratitude. And a salute from all of us who know what we owe her."
JUST IN: @DianeSawyer on Barbara Walters: "Barbara was a trailblazer, a singular force who opened the door for every woman in television news... Sadness. Gratitude. And a salute from all of us who know what we owe her." https://t.co/udr0UADjWr pic.twitter.com/IAHF6TGlGp
— ABC News (@ABC) December 31, 2022
Read on for tributes to Walters from Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon, Barbra Streisand, Kerry Washington, Paul McCartney, Don Lemon, and more.
I owe Barbara Walters more than I could ever repay. Rest well sister…mother…friend…colleague…mentor.
— Star Jones (@StarJonesEsq) December 31, 2022
The world of journalism has lost a pillar of professionalism, courage, and integrity. Barbara Walters was a trailblazer and a true pro. She outworked, out-thought, and out-hustled her competitors. She left the world the better for it. She will be deeply missed. RIP
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 31, 2022
Waking up in London to the news of Barbara Walters’ passing. She challenged the powerful and the famous without hesitation, and she nailed them with the truth like no other. A towering figure in our media, she will be missed.
Keep ‘em on their toes in the great beyond, Barbara.— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 31, 2022
One of the first rites of passage of becoming a host on @TheView was to have lunch with Barbara Walters. Few times in my life have I been that nervous. She was an absolute trailblazer, class, elegance, smarts that are increasingly hard to come by. I’ll always be grateful. RIP
— Michelle Collins (@michcoll) December 31, 2022
I have sad news to share today. Barbara Walters passed away this evening at her home in New York. pic.twitter.com/fxSyU6BQk4
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) December 31, 2022
Deb & I are so sad that Barbara Walters passed away. She was a trail blazer, wickedly funny, generous, open hearted and a good friend. She also gave some
of the most memorable dinner parties we’ve ever been to. Get ready heaven, Barbara’s coming to spice things up. @Deborra_lee pic.twitter.com/pQfLSG5m7a— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters was an American institution. As the first female national news anchor, she opened the door to endless possibilities for so many girls who wanted to work in TV, myself included. Her impact cannot be overstated. I’ll miss you, Barbara. Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/HokDilM6Rj
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) December 31, 2022
What a legend and a trailblazer! Barbara Walters always exuded intelligence and grace in every encounter. Her curiosity and kindness came through in every interview. Every time I was interviewed by her, I felt her genuine warmth. Sending so much love to her family and fans. pic.twitter.com/8QAFO86W1c
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters was a true trailblazer. Forever grateful for her stellar example and for her friendship. Sending condolences to her daughter and family.🙏🏾 https://t.co/vKjvFJTU6u
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) December 31, 2022
Nancy and I are so saddened by the news of her dear cousin Barbara Walters' passing. The two of them enjoyed a deep loving relationship over many years and I was proud to share some of those special moments. pic.twitter.com/vIAAfGoMIS
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) December 31, 2022
So sad to hear of the passing of Barbara Walters. What an honor to share the set @ABC with the inimitable trailblazer when I joined @abc2020. Will never forget the phone call when she asked me to join the groundbreaking program. pic.twitter.com/0zKgKxmayY
— Deborah Roberts (@DebRobertsABC) December 31, 2022
The Legend. The Blueprint. The Greatest. Rest in Peace Barbara Walters pic.twitter.com/RODzfKMAxw
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) December 31, 2022
Thank you for sharing your light with the world, you will be missed dearly #BarbaraWalters pic.twitter.com/1hJS4KlXkG
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) December 31, 2022
#BarbaraWalters was a trailblazer. She was a mentor to me as well as a friend. So many women broke into the news business because she did her job well.
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) December 31, 2022
Remarkable. Fearless. Assured and laser focused in her interviews, she broke through every barrier, paving the way for every woman journalist who followed. What an honor it was to be interviewed by her on @TheView. RIP Barbara Walters. pic.twitter.com/HSkzeLVgBP
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) December 31, 2022
Rest In Peace, Barbara Walters. Thanks for helping me find my voice. pic.twitter.com/w6V5KhqMlC
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 31, 2022
A true trailblazer and icon ! She lived a full life and leaves behind such a powerful legacy. Rest in peace, Barbara Walters. pic.twitter.com/nn6c5JWd6h
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) December 31, 2022
She was obviously amazing on television but I selfishly loved spending time with her in person. Sitting next to her at a dinner party was the best seat in the house. With love, respect and admiration - rest in peace Barbara Walters. #barbarawalters pic.twitter.com/AD4BQtHrUg
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters blazed the trail for every newswoman and we will forever follow in her footsteps. May she Rest In Peace
— Meredith Vieira (@meredithvieira) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her.
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) December 31, 2022
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