Barbara Walters, a pioneering figure in the broadcasting industry, enjoyed a lengthy career that spanned several decades. However, as her health declined, Walters decided to retire from the job she loved. She spent her final days grappling with confusion, forgetfulness, and fear due to dementia.
Barbara Walters was a prominent figure in the journalism and television broadcasting industry. With a career that spanned decades, she left an indelible mark in media, especially as a woman in the field. However, Walters retired from her successful career to prioritize her health in 2014.
In March 2013, Walters experienced several health issues, including a bout with chicken pox and an accidental fall. She was on duty covering President Obama’s second inauguration when she lost her balance, fell down the stairs, and injured herself.
Three years earlier, she underwent open heart surgery for an aortic valve replacement and was in the hospital recovering for ten days. According to her doctor, Walters’ case was complex as she was anemic.
Following her surgery, Walters regained her strength and rested for two and a half months. When she returned to her post on “The View,” she realized it was time to walk away from her broadcast career. As a trailblazer for women in media, ABC Network was scared of losing Walters.
Not only did she cohost and create “The View,” but she also became a trusted interviewer for many prominent figures in society and politics. Walters attracted several audiences who naturally gravitated toward her television presence.
But as time went on, it became clear that Walters could no longer work like she used to. Journalist and “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View’” author, Ramin Setoodeh, wrote:
“One day, just as the show ended, she collapsed into the arms of a stage manager. She had to be taken to the green room, where they laid her on a sofa. The staff called the paramedics.”
Being the professional, dedicated host she was, Walters returned to work the next day like she usually would have. However, her nearing retirement was a situation bound to happen. As it came close, ABC released a primetime special to commemorate her remarkable career.
In 2022, Walters quietly passed away in her home at 93, surrounded by her loved ones. The last time the public saw her was around 2016 since she chose to spend the rest of her days living privately.
The network also paid tribute to Walters by naming the Upper West Side news division headquarters Barbara Walters Building. Besides ABC, Walters’ former cohosts, Star Jones and Meredith Vieira, wanted to celebrate her career and returned to “The View” for the beloved anchor’s final season.
Barbara Walters Spent Her Final Years at Home with Dementia
The same year she retired, Walters bought a $3.4 million Naples condo with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a waterfront view. Unfortunately, the seasoned broadcaster only spent little time in her luxurious home. Shortly after her dementia worsened, she moved.
Walters transferred the ownership to her daughter, Jaqueline “Jackie” Dena Guber, who listed the home for sale in mid-2016. A source told the New York Post:
“It was supposed to be her place to retreat, but unfortunately, her health deteriorated pretty quickly in the last few years, and we just knew she would best be accommodated in New York.”
In an apartment, Walters spent the rest of her days isolated, confused, forgetful, and needing a wheelchair. Her dementia escalated, affecting her memory, logic, and behavior. Walters also feared hurting herself by falling and breaking her hip. Sadly, she did not accept guests and only saw a select few.
In 2022, Walters quietly passed away in her home at 93, surrounded by her loved ones. The last time the public saw her was around 2016 since she chose to spend the rest of her days living privately. Walters’ life and career were celebrated by several media outlets shortly after.
Walters’ illustrious career which spanned over six decades, was partly propelled by coverage of former President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. She went on to interview several prominent figures and host several shows.
Walters achieved a remarkable milestone in NBC by becoming the first female “Today” cohost in the show’s history. She also became the first woman to anchor “Evening News.” Her representative, Cindi Berger, said:
“She lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists but for all women.”
In 2023, Walters’ New York City home of 30 years up until her passing was placed on the market. The icon’s Manhattan residence, located on the Upper East Side, boasted five bedrooms and five bathrooms and had a view of Central Park. It was up on sale for $19.75 million.
The house’s living room has ample space with windows overlooking Central Park and Fifth Avenue. It has a marble fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and herringbone wood floors. The room leads to a formal dining room, designed with crystal chandeliers and antique-like furnishing.
Walters’ home also has a library with window seats overlooking a majestic view. Its cozy interior easily makes guests feel at home. Meanwhile, the main bedroom is equipped with a dressing room with red walls, oversized mirrors, and a vanity area.
The gorgeous home is one of the units in a 14-story building designed by Architect Nathan Korn in 1925. It has an Italian Renaissance palazzo style and boasts amenities like a gym, elevator, and door attendant.
Just as Walters’ home and career were colorful, so was her life behind the scenes. Walters endured three failed marriages and met her second husband while still wearing the ring from her previous lover.
She was a proud mother who, after experiencing three miscarriages, decided to adopt. Her only daughter, Guber, was born in 1968 and raised in Walters’ loving arms. Guber supported her mom throughout her final months and facilitated Walters’ healthcare needs.
Despite having a mom who was busy with work while growing up, Guber was present for Walters until the end of the journalist’s life. Undoubtedly, Guber celebrates her mom’s success and life.
