The famed newswoman Barbara Walters passed away on Friday, and in the hours that followed, tributes from notable friends, colleagues, and fans began to come in.
Dan Rather, who formerly hosted the CBS Evening News for a long period, wrote, “The world of journalism has been dealt a blow to its professionalism, courage, and integrity with the passing of a key figure. Barbara Walters was a pioneer in her field and a consummate professional. She outhustled, outworked, and outthought her rivals to win the competition. She made the world a better place before she departed it. She will be sorely missed by everyone. RIP”
Cindi Berger, the representative for Walters, has verified the news that Walters has gone away at the age of 93, telling PEOPLE: “Barbara Walters died without suffering in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by family and friends. She had a very eventful life.”
The following is an excerpt from Berger’s statement: “She spent her life without any regrets.” Not only for female journalists, but for all women in general, she was a pioneer in her field.
The co-hosts of The View, which Walters founded in 1997 and presided over for a significant portion of its run, have sent in a number of tributes. On her Instagram account, Rosie O’Donnell referred to her former manager and coworker with the word “legend.”
Tweeted by Star Jones, who was one of the original co-hosts of “The View,” “I have more debt to Barbara Walters than I could ever hope to give back. May you rest in peace, sister…mother…friend…colleague…mentor.”
Debbie Matenopoulos, one of Jones’s other co-hosts of OG View, announced on her Instagram Story that she was pregnant “so so so sad…. Right now, there are no words.”
“I am grateful to you for everything. You single-handedly altered the course of my life and the lives of all other female journalists by paving the road for all of us to follow in your footsteps “Matenopoulos concluded. “Amazing woman that you are, I pray that you find eternal rest in power and beauty. I owe you absolutely everything, just like so many other people do. You will continue to be the person I look up to.”
The photo of Walters and Matenopouloson was featured in the story, which took place in 1997. She reflected on her time spent on “The View” by tweeting, “My first month on @theviewabc my closest friend shot this picture from the audience and literally just showed it to me about 4 hours ago!!! “We were laughing so hard about how ridiculous I used to be when I was young, and then about an hour later I found out the news. I am taken aback by this. I will always and always love you, Barbara. You instructed me in all I need to know!!!”
