Tributes Pour In for Legendary Pioneering TV Journalist Barbara Walters

TV news anchor and host Barbara Walters, known for her work on NBC’s “Today” show and ABC’s “20/20” and “The View,” as well as her series of ABC primetime pre-Oscars and end-of-year interview specials, passed away on Friday (December 30, 2022) in New York City at the age of 93. (Read more about Walters’ life at Marc Berman’s article on Forbes.)

Many notable personalities in the worlds of news media and entertainment shared their feelings and remembrances about the iconic journalist.

Many on Twitter recalled Walters’ final day on ABC’s “The View” back in May 2014 when Oprah Winfrey honored Walters by inviting a the plethora of prominent female news reporters, anchors and hosts that followed in her path including Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, Jane Pauley, Joan Lunden, Connie Chung, Elizabeth Vargas, Robin Roberts, Amy Robach, Juju Chang, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales, Tamron Hall, Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, Maria Shriver, Mika Brzezinski, Paula Zahn, Gayle King, and Lisa Ling.

One of the more touching tributes to Barbara Walters came in 2014 when she appeared on her final episode of "The View".

Oprah thanked her for opening so many doors for ALL women in news and then welcomed two dozen women in news who came on to thank her for blazing a trail. pic.twitter.com/csdZWvgEE4

— Yashar Ali 🐘 یاشار (@yashar) 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

Truly saddened to hear of the passing of Barbara Walters tonight…she shattered glass ceilings and blazed a trail for so many women in television news who would follow her…like me. I will never forget her.

— Elizabeth Vargas (@EVargasTV) 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

We have lost a true legend with the passing of Barbara Walters. Such a trail blazer. Such a generous woman – I learned so much from working with her. pic.twitter.com/k9PT6d8Xdz

— Joan Lunden (@JoanLunden) December 31, 2022

Katie Couric: "Barbara Walters was the OG of female broadcasters."

Norah O'Donnell: "Barbara Walters was the reason I wanted to be a journalist."

Savannah Guthrie: "thank you, Barbara. you showed the way."

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 31, 2022

The Legend. The Blueprint. The Greatest. Rest in Peace Barbara Walters pic.twitter.com/RODzfKMAxw

— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) 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 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

In March 1999, at least 74 million people tuned in to a portion of Walters’ ABC News interview with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky who was at the center of the President Bill Clinton sex scandal. Lewinsky took to Twitter to reflect on the woman who had famously interviewed her.

a short thread on barbara walters’ passing:
i knew barbara for over half of my life. we met in the spring of 1998, in the midst of the starr investigation; i was 24. i remarked that this was the first time i’d ever been in serious trouble. i’d basically been a good kid —
(1/4)

— Monica Lewinsky (she/her) (@MonicaLewinsky) December 31, 2022

Several former co-hosts of “The View” remembered the person who brought them on to once be part of the long-running daytime talk show.

I owe Barbara Walters more than I could ever repay. Rest well sister…mother…friend…colleague…mentor.

— Star Jones (@StarJonesEsq) December 31, 2022

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

Barbara Walters will always be known as a trail blazer. Her hard hitting questions & welcoming demeanor made her a household name and leader in American journalism.
Her creation of The View is something I will always be appreciative of. Rest in peace you will forever be an icon.

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 31, 2022

Barbara Walters walked so women such as myself could run. She was a trailblazer who opened the door for every woman you see on morning, evening and daily television today. Rest well Ms. Walters. Your legacy will live on forever. ❤️

— Symone D. Sanders-Townsend (@SymoneDSanders) December 31, 2022

The one photo I have of Barbara Walters and I together backstage at The View. Our energies summed up quiet nicely here. #RIP pic.twitter.com/ShA8l2ibl3

— Michelle Collins (@michcoll) December 31, 2022

An amazing woman. Amazing loss. Shattering the glass ceiling is a huge understatement. She decimated it. Paved the way for so many. I feel very proud/humble to have known her & to have worked with her. Condolences to her loved ones & the entire @TheView family. #RipBarbaraWalters https://t.co/oWfGnck8bW

— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) 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

Those in the showbiz world also shared their thoughts on Walters.

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

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

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

An unwavering journalist. A fearless trailblazer. A faithful friend.

Rest in Peace, Barbara Walters

You’ll be missed by all. pic.twitter.com/a2Z3LKVvQo

— Melissa Rivers (@MelRivers) 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

Rest In Peace, Barbara Walters🙏🏾 🕊️
I was always proud to say I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College bc she went there & I had the chance to laugh w/ her about us both living in the same dorm room…Just a few decades apart (;Like Oprah said she kicked doors down! What a legacy💔 https://t.co/tEIX9COF3t pic.twitter.com/V0YCwxQyEd

— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) December 31, 2022

🙏🏼🥺 pic.twitter.com/g9dx37dyAj

— JWOWW (@JENNIWOWW) December 31, 2022

Anchors from WABC-TV, ABC’s affiliate from New York City (the town most of Walters’ programs had originated), also honored her.

A brief recollection from @SadeABC and me tonight about the incomparable #BarbaraWaltershttps://t.co/K2oxOkhKGz

— Bill Ritter (@billritter7) December 31, 2022

Saddened to hear about the death of #barbarawalters She was kind and gracious- sending me lovely thank you notes after our promotional interviews for 20/20 or her many specials. A true role model.

— Diana Williams (@DianaWilliamsNY) December 31, 2022

She was the “OG”, before that was even a thing. Her legacy will be women supporting women. Women learning from women. R.I.P. Barbara Walters. Thank you for breaking barriers. May your authenticity, work ethic, and grace live on. @abc7ny #barbarawalters @ABC 💔#reporterlife pic.twitter.com/aQSK6MQV8i

— Stacey Sager (@staceysager7) December 31, 2022