Katie Couricis paying tribute toBarbara Walters.
“Barbara Walters was theOG of female broadcasters,” the formerTodayshow host, 65, posted on Instagram following thepioneering reporter’s deathon Friday at age 93.
“She was just as comfortable interviewing world leaders as she was Oscar winners and her body of work is unparalleled,” added Couric.
Noting that she was “a lucky recipient of her kindness and encouragement,” Couric continued, “When I landed a big (impromptu) interview with President Bush, she wrote me a note that I still have framed in my office: Dear Katie, You were terrific with Mrs. Bush (you knew far more than she did) and nabbing the President was a real coup. You are so darn good! Bravo! Barbara.”
“As I wrote in my book, she liked to say we were similar — that neither of us was particularly glamorous,” she concluded. “I never quite knew how to take that! But the fact that Barbara saw some of her on me was nothing but a compliment. Thank you for everything, Barbara. ❤️ #RIP.”
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“She lived her life with no regrets,” Berger’s statement continued about Walters. “She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists, but for all women.”
Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger tweeted that the pioneering journalist and television personality was a “one-of-a-kind reporter.”
“Barbarawas a true legend, a pioneer, not just for women in journalism but journalism itself,” Iger continued, also noting that his colleague and friend of 30 years had landed some of the “most important interviews of our time.”
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Members of the broadcast journalism community also offered condolences, praise and memories, withGood Morning AmericaanchorRobin Robertsnoting she’d be “forever gratefulfor [Barbara’s] stellar example and for her friendship.”
Former longtimeCBS Evening NewsanchorDan Rathertweeted, “The world of journalism has losta 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.”
Oprah Winfreysaid that she was “grateful” Walters had been “such apowerful and gracious role model.”
“Without Barbara Walters there wouldn’t have been me — nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news,” added Winfrey. “She was indeed a Trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time. Grateful to have known her. Grateful to have followed in her Light.”
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Several tributes also came in from co-hosts ofThe View, which Walters created in 1997 and moderated for many years.
Rosie O’Donnellsimply called her former boss and colleague a"legend"on Instagram, whileStar Jones, one ofThe View’s first-ever co-hosts, tweeted: “I owe Barbara Walters more than I could ever repay.Rest well sister…mother…friend…colleague…mentor.”
Jones' fellow OGViewco-host Debbie Matenopoulos shared on her Instagram Story that she was"so so so sad…. No words right now."
Former panelistMeghan McCainwrote, in part, that Walters' “hard hitting questions and welcoming demeanor made hera household name and leader in American journalism.”
source: people.com
