Journalists, celebrities pay tribute to Barbara Walters: A "trailblazer and a true pro"
Tributes poured in Friday for groundbreaking television journalist Barbara Walters following her death at the age of 93.
Walters' illustrious journalism career spanned more than seven decades, and her interviews with world leaders and celebrities were iconic.
"CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell said Walters was the reason she wanted to be a journalist.
"Growing up, my family watched the evening news broadcasts, read newspapers and newsmagazines. But Barbara Walters was a trailblazer: the only woman on television at the time interviewing presidents, prime ministers and the most important actors, authors and artists in the world," O'Donnell posted on Instagram. "She inspired me."
Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather tweeted Friday that Walters was a "trailblazer and a true pro" who "outworked, out-thought, and out-hustled her competitors. She left the world the better for it. She will be deeply missed."
Oprah Winfrey wrote that "without Barbara Walters there wouldn't have been me — nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news."
David Muir, anchor of "ABC World News Tonight," wrote that "so often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer — but Barbara Walters was all of these."
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
Monica Lewinsky, who Walters famously interviewed in the wake of the scandal that led to the 1998 impeachment of former President Bill Clinton, said she knew Walters "for over half" her life.
"She was the very first person with whom i ever sat for a television interview… and will certainly be my most memorable," Lewinsky tweeted.
a short thread on barbara walters’ passing:
— Monica Lewinsky (she/her) (@MonicaLewinsky) December 31, 2022
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 —
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"Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts wrote that she was "forever grateful for" Walter's "stellar example and for her friendship."
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
"When she interviewed me, it was clear she did her homework," tennis and gender rights icon Billie Jean King tweeted. "She was always prepared."
Pioneering TV news broadcaster Barbara Walters has died.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 31, 2022
A true trailblazer, she was the 1st woman anchor on the evening news.
And I was privileged to know her.
When she interviewed me, it was clear she did her homework. She was always prepared.
May she rest in power. https://t.co/DkZlpl2w3b
Longtime journalist Katie Couric called Walters "the OG of female broadcasters. She was just as comfortable interviewing world leaders as she was Oscar winners and she had to fight like hell for every interview."
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote that Walters "broke the glass ceiling for so many women and girls. I knew Barbara—she always wanted to get the truth."
Barbara Walters was a trailblazing journalist, so many of her interviews were unforgettable.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 31, 2022
She broke the glass ceiling for so many women and girls.
I knew Barbara—she always wanted to get the truth.
I’m praying for her family and for all who knew and loved her. https://t.co/lsfJmkw3Mm
And President Biden, who appeared with Walters on "The View" while he was vice president, memorialized her Saturday as "an inspiration for all journalists."
"Barbara Walters has always been an example of bravery and truth — breaking barriers while driving our nation forward," he said in a tweet.
Barbara Walters has always been an example of bravery and truth — breaking barriers while driving our nation forward. Her legacy will continue as an inspiration for all journalists.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 31, 2022
Jill and I send our deepest condolences to her daughter, Jacqueline, and to those who loved her. pic.twitter.com/e5Cl6bsyvA