ATLANTA — People from all over the county are sharing their memories and reacting to the death of legendary newswoman Barbara Walters.
Walters’ death was announced on air on ABC Friday night.
At-Large Council member Michael Julian Bond issued a statement Saturday morning expressing his feelings upon hearing about Walters’ passing.
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In his statement, Bond calls Walters a “pioneering journalist” who broke boundaries for women and a “warrior” for what was right.
Bond also shared an exciting moment when he met Walters in New York City. He referred to Walters during the interaction as “very warm, approachable.”
The full statement is below:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great Barbara Walters, a phenomenal journalist, media personality, industry leader and a dynamic human being by all accounts.
Not only a pioneering journalist breaking gender and career boundaries for women, but she was also a consistent warrior for what was right. Whatever the issues of the day Ms. Walters will be found on the right side of history. Consistently she held the powerful accountable, ‘Speaking truth to power!’
More than a household name, America and the free world knew her, trusted her, and believed that she was a vessel for truth in conveying the news. She is beyond iconic status when it comes to the media. The majority of my life she has been an “influencer” before “influencers”. She held sway over American living rooms and influence public opinion for decades.
One of the most exciting moments of my life was getting to meet her informally in Central Park in New York City. She spoke with my brother Jeff and myself. She was very warm, approachable, and surprisingly humble. It is said that you should “not meet your heroes”, but it is one of the joys of my life to have made her acquaintance.
My deepest condolences are extended to the Walters family, her industry colleagues, fans, and admirers around the world. May she rest in power!”
— Bond's Statement on Walters' death
Tons of tributes for the iconic journalist poured in overnight on social media, including Bernice King and Robin Roberts.
King Center CEO, Bernice King, shared a post on Twitter, “Farewell and rest well.”
Farewell and rest well, #BarbaraWalters. Thank you for your courage to blaze trails and have difficult conversations that mattered. pic.twitter.com/EiDTAqKGZ4
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) December 31, 2022
Good Morning America host Robin Robert said in a post that she is grateful for Walters’ example and 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
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Walters, an interviewer, anchor and program host, led the way as the first woman to become a TV news superstar during a network career. She spent nearly 40 years with ABC, and before that, NBC.
She was the first female network news anchor, with an unprecedented $1 million annual salary, according to the Associated Press.
Walters was 93 years old when she died.
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