Barbara Walters became a legend in her own time. And as news spread that the famed journalist had passed, fans united with her friends and family to honor Barbara. But Walters’ death came in the wake of her toughest year on her talk show, The View.
AMP in the post
Learn how Barbara survived her most challenging year on the talk show. And discover what made her decide to retire. Plus: Learn about Walters’ death below.
Barbara Walters’ – Death Follows Her Struggles On ‘The View’
As insiders reflect on Barbara Walters after her death, many recall her final year on The View. And they applaud the journalist for recognizing the right time to retire. Walter made the decision in March 2013, according to Page Six.
And the journalist kept her meeting for that announcement to ABC executives simple. During her 16th season on The View, Barbara requested that ABC executive Anne Sweeney jot down the year 2014 on a piece of paper. And only months after that meeting, Walters reminded Anne about that paper. She then announced her retirement in 2014.
But the decision came after multiple struggles. For instance, Walters suffered a fall that required time off. And she also battled chicken pox. But the determined journalist made it clear that she wanted control. And so she told Sweeney that 2014 would become her official retirement year.
AMP in the post
ABC Wanted To Hold Onto Barbara Walters
But the network worried about losing the dynamic journalist. After all, Barbara had taken the lead in not just co-hosting but creating The View. However, her failing health finally overcame her mental strength. And one day, as the show ended, Walters collapsed.
The View staff helped Barbara to a couch. And they called paramedics. But Walters felt so conscious about her public image that she didn’t want to leave on a stretcher. However, she finally went to a doctor, only to return to the set the next morning.
And as the day of her retirement neared, ABC celebrated her legacy. For instance, a two-hour prime-time special honored Walters’ career. And the news division changed the headquarters name to the Barbara Walters Building. For Walters’ final season, original co-hosts such as Meredith Vieira and Star Jones helped honor Barbara.
AMP in the post
Walters’ final episode aired in May 2014. And to help her bid farewell, guests including Hillary Clinton, Michael Douglas and Oprah Winfrey joined Barbara. For the next few years, the journalist occasionally returned before embracing retirement. The beloved journalist passed away at her home in New York on Friday. She was 93.
Tell us what you think. What did Barbara Walters mean to you? And what of her accomplishments do you remember the most? After you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.
Editorial credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com