Barbara Walters, the pioneering TV journalist whose interviewing skills helped her become one of the most prominent figures in broadcasting, has died, according to her spokesperson. She was 93 years old.
“Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. She lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists but for all women,” Walters’ spokesperson Cindi Berger told CNN in a statement.
Before being promoted to co-host in 1974, Walters started her career in national broadcasting in 1961 as a reporter, writer, and panelist for NBC’s “Today” show. As the first female evening news anchor, Walters joined ABC News in 1976.
Prior to beginning her co-hosting and reporting roles for ABC News’ “20/20” in 1984, Walters launched “The Barbara Walters Specials” and “10 Most Fascinating People” on that network. She spoke with every US president and first lady since Richard and Pat Nixon along the way.
Walters had four marriages, including ones to producer Lee Guber, businessman Robert Katz, and Merv Adelson, the head of the entertainment industry, twice.
Adelson’s second marriage came to an end in 1992. She is survived by Jackie, the daughter she and Guber adopted in 1968.