Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, and Jennifer Hudson, are among the many artists remembering the late journalist Barbra Walters, who died on Dec. 30 at the age of 93.
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Nancy and I are so saddened by the news of her dear cousin Barbara Walters’ passing,” McCartney wrote. McCartney’s wife Nancy Shevell is a cousin to Walters. “The two of them enjoyed a deep loving relationship over many years and I was proud to share some of those special moments.”
He added, “Barbara was an amazing woman who more than held her own in the early days of male-dominated television and went on to become a worldwide celebrity known for her many perceptive interviews with stars from every walk of life. We will miss her but always remember her with great fondness.”
Still working from 1951 through her retirement in 2015, Barbara Walters was a groundbreaking broadcast journalist. Walters was the first female co-host of the Today show, and the first evening news anchor on television. She also co-created and co-hosting the morning talk show The View, where she continued to work until her retirement.
In addition to the many actors and artists she interviewed over the decades, Walters also sat down with every sitting U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama as well as other world leaders from Russian presidents, Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin, to late UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher, and more.
Walters’ cohosts at The View wrote: “‘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.”
“A true trailblazer and icon,” wrote Jennifer Hudson, who also shared a photo from her interview with Walters in 2007. “She lived a full life and leaves behind such a powerful legacy. Rest in peace, Barbara Walters.”
Also sharing a photo of himself with Walters, Elton John wrote: “Barbara Walters was a friend, an ally and a true trailblazer for women in media. No nonsense, no fear and someone who saw through the bullshit. She will never be surpassed as a beacon of truth and I will miss her. Condolences to her family and friends.”
Actress and singer Bette Midler remembered how Walters always made her cry during interviews. “The extraordinary [Barbara Walters] has died,” shared Midler on Twitter. “We hadn’t seen her in a while. She always made me cry during interviews, and I’m crying now. Rest in peace.”
“Barbara Walters had a wonderful long life,” wrote Barbra Streisand in remembrance, along with a photo from each of their interviews throughout the years. “I remember all the times she interviewed me. May she rest in peace.”
Paris Hilton, who recently performed on stage during Miley Cyrus’ New Year’s Eve special, also added her condolences. “Sad [to] hear the news about Barbara Walters,” wrote Hilton. “Always loved interviewing with her. She was always kind. Such a trailblazer and icon. Sending my condolences to her family and loved ones. Rest In Peace.”
“Barbara Walters in 2003 getting a private concert out of Beyoncé for $5,” wrote Drake along with a video clip of their interview.” “Legend, queen.”
Photo by Raymond Borea/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
