Barbara Walters, the pioneering broadcast journalist whose interviewing skills made her one of broadcast’s top personalities, has died, her spokesperson confirmed to CNN. She was 93 years old.
“Barbara Walters died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones. She lived her life with no regrets. She was a pioneer not just for female journalists, but for all women,” Walters spokeswoman Cindi Berger told CNN.
Walters began her national broadcasting career in 1961 as a reporter, writer and panelist for NBC’s “Today” show before being promoted to co-anchor in 1974. In 1976, Walters joined ABC News as its first female presenter of an evening news. program.
On that network, Walters launched “The Barbara Walters Specials” and “10 Most Fascinating People” before becoming co-anchor and correspondent for ABC News’ “20/20” in 1984. Along the way, she interviewed every president and first lady of the United States since the days of Richard and Pat Nixon.
