A pioneer in television news, Barbara Walters has died at the age of 93.
Colleagues, fellow journalists, and fans of Walters shared their condolences on social media following the news of her death.
Update 8:19 a.m. EST Dec. 31: Dan Rather, the longtime CBS News journalist and anchor who competed against Walters during the 1960s and ’70s when she worked with NBC, and later, with ABC, said she “will be deeply missed.”
“The world of journalism has lost a pillar of professionalism, courage, and integrity,” Rather tweeted. “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.”
-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
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
Original report: ABC News’ Deborah Roberts said on Twitter she was honored to “share the set” with Walters. She called Walters an “inimitable trailblazer.”
“Will never forget the phone call when she asked me to join the groundbreaking program,” said Roberts on joining, “20/20.”
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
Former “View” host, Meghan McCain said on Twitter that Walters will always be “known as a trailblazer.”
“Rest in peace you will forever be an icon,” said McCain.
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.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 31, 2022
Her creation of The View is something I will always be appreciative of. Rest in peace you will forever be an icon.
“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,” said “Wonder Woman” Lynda Carter on Twitter.
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
“Barbara Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable,” said Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Twitter. “Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her.”
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
Oprah on Instagram shared how Walters’ impacted her career.
“Without Barbara Walters, there wouldn’t have been me—nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news. 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,” said Oprah.
So often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer - but Barbara Walters was all of these. And perhaps, above all else, Barbara Walters was brave. She paved the way for so many - we learned from her - and remain in awe of her to this day. RIP, Barbara. pic.twitter.com/ovmtCebcGe
— David Muir (@DavidMuir) December 31, 2022
The Legend. The Blueprint. The Greatest. Rest in Peace Barbara Walters pic.twitter.com/RODzfKMAxw
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) 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
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
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
Barbara Walters.
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) December 31, 2022
Legend. Force. Trailblazer.
Her death is a Newsflash heard around the world. Her memory is a blessing.
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
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