‘Trailblazer’: World mourns death of Barbara Walters

NEW YORK (AP) – Reactions have poured in from around the world over the death of television news pioneer and The View creator Barbara Walters. She died at her home in New York on Friday at the age of 93. An intrepid interviewer, presenter and presenter, she was the first woman to become a television news superstar.

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“Without Barbara Walters, I wouldn’t have existed – nor would any of the women you see on the evening, morning and daytime news. She was indeed a trailblazer. I have my very first TV audition in mind with her all the time. Grateful that she was such a powerful and kind example. Grateful to have known her. Grateful to have followed in her light.” — Oprah Winfrey, television icon

“Barbara Walters was the OG of the 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. I admired her deeply and she has been incredibly supportive over the years. … As I wrote in my book, she liked to say that we were similar in that neither of us was particularly glamorous. I never knew how to take that, although being in Barbara’s shape was nothing but a compliment.” — Katie Couric, journalist, former Today co-host and network news anchor.

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“Barbara was a true legend, a pioneer not only for women in journalism but for journalism itself. She was a unique reporter who received many of the most important interviews of our time, from heads of state to the biggest celebrities and sports icons. I’ve had the pleasure of calling Barbara a colleague for more than three decades, but more importantly, I’ve been able to call her a dear friend. She will be missed by all of us at The Walt Disney Company and we send our deepest condolences to her daughter Jacqueline.” — bob iger, Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company

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“I owe Barbara Walters more than I could ever repay. Rest well sister…mother…friend…colleague…mentor.” — Stern Jonesan original co-host on “The View”

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“The Legend. The Blueprint. The Greatest. Rest In Peace Barbara Walters.” — Tamron HallRadio journalist and TV presenter

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“i have known barbara for half my life. we met in the spring of 1998 in the middle of the star investigation; I was 24. I realized that this was the first time I had ever had serious problems. I was basically a good kid – got good grades, didn’t do drugs, never shoplifted, etc., without missing a beat, Barbara said, Monica, next time I’m shoplifting.” — Monika Lewinskywho was interviewed by Walters in 1999

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“Barbara Walters was a real trailblazer. Forever grateful for your outstanding example and for your friendship. I send my condolences to her daughter and her family.” — robin roberts, Good Morning America anchor

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“The world of journalism has lost a pillar of professionalism, courage and integrity. Barbara Walters was a trailblazer and a true pro. She worked better, thought through and overtook her competitors. She left the world all the better for that. She will be greatly missed. REST IN PEACE.” – Dan Rather, former CBS host

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“Barbara Walters never flinched when she questioned the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made sure we cared about it too. Luckily, she inspired many other journalists to be just as relentless. We’re all better off because of her.” — Kareem Abdul JabbarNBA Hall of Fame

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“Pioneering TV news anchor Barbara Walters has died. A true pioneer, she was the first anchorwoman on the evening news. And I’ve had the privilege of knowing her. When she interviewed me, it was clear that she had done her homework. She was always prepared. May she rest in power.” — Billie Jean Kingtennis champion

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“So often we throw the words icon, legend, trailblazer around—but Barbara Walters was all of those things. And maybe most of all, 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.” — David MuirABC World News Tonight host

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“Barbara Walters will always be known as a trailblazer. Her hard-hitting questions and welcoming demeanor made her a household name and a leading figure in American journalism. Your creation of The View is something I will always be grateful for. Rest in peace, you will forever be an icon.” — Megan McCainformer co-host of The View

The Associated Press