Barbara Walters, the first female co-host of the Today show and a renowned journalist, has sadly passed away at the age of 93. She had one daughter – Jacqueline Dena Guber, also known as Jackie Danforth.
The famed journalist also created the popular show, The View.
The New York Times reports that her publicist, Cindi Berger, revealed in an interview that the television presenter died at her home in Manhattan, New York, surrounded by loved ones. The cause of death wasn’t revealed.
Jacqueline Dena Guber was Barbara Walters’ only daughter
Barbara was married multiple times but had only one adopted daughter. It was during her second marriage with Lee Guber that she adopted Jacqueline.
The couple was married for 13 years from 1963 to 1976. Previously, in her exclusive interview with NBC, the broadcaster said that she had suffered five miscarriages during her marriage with her second husband.
After five years of marriage, the couple decided to adopt. Their baby girl was born in June 1968 and they named her Jacqueline, after Barbara’s sister. Despite the couple’s popularity, they kept Jacqueline’s adoption a secret.
“In part, because I really didn’t want the biological mother to know that Jackie had been adopted by us,” Barbara said of their decision.
Barbara was married four times to three husbands
The television host’s first marriage was with Robert Henry Katz. The couple was married for two years between 1955 to 1957.
Barbara divorced her second husband and famed American theatrical producer, Guber, in 1976. This happened when their adopted daughter, Jacqueline, was only eight years old.
Five years after her divorce from Lee, The View creator married American real estate developer Merv Adelson. The couple first tied the knot in 1981 when Barbara was 52 years old and Jacquline was 14. Their marriage lasted for four years until 1984 before they called it quits.
However, they decided to give it another shot and tied the knot once again in 1986 before finally ending it for good in 1992.
Fans and colleagues mourn the former Today show host
Fans and media personalities have paid a tribute to Barbara after learning about her death.
CNN host Don Lemon wrote: “She was obviously amazing on television but I selfishly loved spending time with her in person. Sitting next to her at a dinner party was the best seat in the house. With love, respect and admiration – rest in peace Barbara Walters.”
“So often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer – but Barbara Walters was all of these,” David Muir said in his touching tribute.
So often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer – but Barbara Walters was all of these. And perhaps, above all else, Barbara Walters was brave. She paved the way for so many – we learned from her – and remain in awe of her to this day. RIP, Barbara. pic.twitter.com/ovmtCebcGe
— David Muir (@DavidMuir) December 31, 2022View Tweet
“Deb & I are so sad that Barbara Walters passed away. She was a trailblazer, wickedly funny, generous, open-hearted and a good friend,” actor Hugh Jackman wrote.
Deb & I are so sad that Barbara Walters passed away. She was a trail blazer, wickedly funny, generous, open hearted and a good friend. She also gave some
of the most memorable dinner parties we’ve ever been to. Get ready heaven, Barbara’s coming to spice things up. @Deborra_lee pic.twitter.com/pQfLSG5m7a
View Tweet
Barbara Walters first @abcnews telecast in 1976. A pioneer, she defined a space in news that created the formats we see today—except she actually cared about the stories she gathered. pic.twitter.com/qqzruaxCpX
— 🔥 🏠 with a Y 🏠 🔥 (@wyntermitchell) December 31, 2022View Tweet
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