Legendary Journalist Barbara Walters Has Died

ABC/Twitter

Barbara Walters, one of the most respected and recognizable journalists in television history, died Friday (December 30). She was 93.

ABC shared the news of Walters’ death on social media saying, “She died peacefully at her home earlier this evening.”

.@ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: Barbara Walters, trailblazing TV icon, has died at 93.

We take a look back at her astonishing life and legacy. https://t.co/G4PmqDe611 pic.twitter.com/GPi46jYwTc

— ABC News (@ABC) December 31, 2022

Walters’ spokesperson confirmed her death to PEOPLE saying:

“Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones,” Berger says. “She lived a big life. She lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists, but for all women.”

Walters began her career as a writer and segment producer on the Today Show in the 1960s.

Due to her massive popularity, Walters was promoted to co-host, making her the first woman to serve in that role on an American news program.

Barbara Walters continued to break barriers for women in broadcasting as she became the first female news anchor in 1976. By the end of the ’70s, Walters became co-host and producer of 20/20, a role that she maintained until 2004.

In 1997, Barbara Walters created The View, a daytime talk show that continues to air despite her retirement as co-host in 2004.

 

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Throughout her distinguished career, Walters earned three Emmy Awards , a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Women’s Agenda and the News and Documentary Emmy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Barbara Walters is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Danforth, with ex-husband Lee Guber.