Barbara Walters, a pioneering US television presenter, passed away at the age of 93 following a half-century-long career.
When she joined ABC News in 1976, she became the first female network news anchor in the United States.
She was born in Boston at the beginning of the Great Depression in 1929 and won 12 Emmys.
In addition to interviewing every US president from Richard Nixon to Donald Trump, she has also spoken with several music and pop culture icons.
“Barbara Walters died quietly in her home surrounded by loved ones,” publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement released on Friday evening.
She has no regrets about her life. She was not only a trailblazer for female journalists but for all women.
The daughter of a booking agent in the entertainment industry began her career in 1961 as a segment producer of women’s interest stories at NBC.
She rose through the ranks of a male-dominated business to become the first female co-host of an American morning news program on NBC’s Today Show in 1974.
When she once again cracked the glass ceiling by becoming the first female network news anchor on ABC’s nightly bulletin, her $1 million salary made her a media superstar.
Walters stated in 2000 as she got a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, “I have been gifted with a life I never expected.”
In 2014, she concluded her 52-year career with her final appearance on her daily talk show, The View.
She was accompanied by Hillary Clinton and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, both frequent interviewees of Barbara Walters.
Mrs. Clinton told Mr. Walters, “I can’t believe this day has arrived, and I can’t believe it’s for real.”
During the course of her lengthy career, she conducted interviews with numerous world leaders, including Margaret Thatcher, Vladimir Putin, Fidel Castro, Anwar Sadat, and Menachem Begin.
She also interviewed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a few months after a public uprising that would ultimately lead to civil war in the country.
Walters has been inundated with tributes.
Dan Rather, a journalist, stated that “journalism has lost a cornerstone of professionalism, guts, and ethics.”
Don Lemon, a news anchor, tweeted, “She was excellent on television, but I enjoyed spending time with her in person.” At a dinner gathering, the nicest seat in the house was next to her.
“With love, respect, and adoration – Barbara Walters, rest in peace”
Oprah Winfrey referred to Walters as “such a strong and generous role model.”
Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of Disney, stated, “Barbara was a true legend, a trailblazer not only for women in journalism but for journalism itself.
She was a one-of-a-kind journalist who landed many of the most important interviews of our time, with everyone from heads of state and regime leaders to most celebrities and sports icons.
A reporter for ABC World News Tonight, David Muir tweeted, “We use the terms icon, legend, and trailblazer so frequently, but Barbara Walters was all of these.”
“And probably most importantly, Barbara Walters was courageous. She blazed the path for so many, and we continue to be in awe of her to this day.”
Deborah Roberts, an ABC News correspondent who worked with Walters, praised her as a “unique trailblazer.”
Senator Chuck Schumer remarked, “Barbara Walters was a pioneering journalist, and so many of her interviews were unforgettable.” She shattered the glass ceiling for countless women and girls.”
Lynda Carter, an American actress, stated that Barbara Walters was an American institution.
“As the first female national news anchor, she opened the door to countless opportunities for aspiring female journalists, including myself.” Her influence cannot be exaggerated.”
Jennifer Hudson, a singer, remarked, “A true pioneer and idol! She lived a full life and left such a significant legacy.”
According to NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Walters “never flinched when questioning the most powerful people in the world.”
“She made them answerable. She cared about the truth and inspired us to care as well. Thankfully, she motivated many other journalists to be equally unrelenting. Everyone is better off as a result of her.”
Hugh Jackman described Walters as “a trailblazer, a wickedly witty, giving, open-hearted friend.
In addition, she hosted some of the most memorable dinner parties we’ve ever attended.
