Barbara Walters, the legendary journalist, had an illustrious career that will be remembered for years to come. As she approached her 16th season on “The View,” Walters felt it was time to make a difficult decision. Over lunch with ABC executive Anne Sweeney in March 2013, she cryptically asked Sweeney to jot down the year 2014 on a piece of paper. Little did Sweeney know that this would mark the year of Walters’ retirement from the broadcast career that had made her a household name.
Walters experienced a series of health setbacks leading up to this pivotal moment. She had suffered a fall and even battled chicken pox, but her determination to continue her work on “The View” never wavered. However, as the year progressed, it became increasingly apparent that her health was deteriorating, and she could no longer continue working in such a demanding role.
In a poignant moment, at the end of a show, Walters collapsed into the arms of a stage manager, requiring immediate medical attention. Concerned that the incident would make headlines, Walters reluctantly sought medical care. True to her tenacious nature, she returned to the set the very next morning, determined to carry on as if nothing had happened.
Despite her health concerns, Walters’ retirement was met with great fanfare. ABC aired a two-hour primetime special showcasing her remarkable career. The network even renamed its Upper West Side headquarters the Barbara Walters Building in her honor. Original co-hosts of “The View,” including Meredith Vieira and Star Jones, returned to celebrate her final season on the show.
Walters’ last episode aired in May 2014 and featured special guests such as Hillary Clinton, Michael Douglas, and Oprah Winfrey. As she bid farewell to the audience, Walters expressed her excitement about embracing a new chapter in life and looking forward to enjoying “her view.” It was a bittersweet moment for both Walters and her dedicated fans.
But retirement didn’t mean fading into the background for Walters. She returned as a guest co-host in 2014 and 2015, ensuring her presence continued to be felt. Finally, she settled into a well-deserved retirement. Her impact on the world of journalism and broadcasting was immeasurable.
Barbara Walters passed away on Friday at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will endure. Her bravery, determination, and trailblazing spirit will continue to inspire generations of journalists and viewers alike.
