Feminist activist and journalist Gloria Steinem died on Wednesday, according to a post shared on her Instagram account. She was 92.
The news, shared early Thursday, included a recent photo of Steinem and a statement about her life. “Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her. Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” it began. No cause of death was given.
Steinem was a key figure in the feminist movement in the United States, beginning in the 1960s with second-wave feminism. She spoke about gender equality and issues like abortion. She first gained national attention in 1963 when she went undercover as a Playboy bunny and wrote about the experience. Steinem went on to co-found Ms. magazine and remained a prominent voice on gender parity and reproductive rights. Former President Obama awarded Steinhem with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
“Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor,” the statement read.
Almost immediately upon the news, fellow feminists, as well as politicians and celebrities, began sharing tributes online.
Writer Roxane Gay commented on the Instagram post, “Gloria was one of a kind. Genuine, generous, curious, thoughtful. She lived a staggering life and her passing is a staggering loss tempered only by the ferocity of her legacy.”
“She was our leader,” actor and comedian Amy Sedaris commented. “We have to be more like her. Carry her fight.”
TV producer Shonda Rhimes commented, “She was fierce and kind and full of grace. What a loss for the world.”
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“As we elders, our daughters, and our granddaughters continue the fight for power, equality, and respect, we hold you in our hearts with love and gratitude,” musician Carole King wrote on Instagram.
Actor and comedian Sandra Bernhard shared a photo with her and Steinem, writing, “It was an honor to have a conversation with the great [Gloria Steinem.] classy funny she didn’t take any punches she had no time to suffer fools & baby she encountered a whole lot of them! Let’s honor her life & work & re dedicate it to reclaiming our reproductive rights!”
A Well-Trained Wife author, Tia Levings, wrote on Instagram, “If you, like me, grew up hearing that Gloria Steinem was evil, please use this time of her visible impact to educate yourself on her extraordinary life and fight for all women.”
“Gloria Steinem was a fearless trailblazer who transformed the fight for equality in America and inspired generations of women to know their power,” Rep. Nancy Pelosi wrote on X.
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“Meeting heroes always risks disappointment, but knowing Gloria was an honor, where her humor and kindness were matched by a relentless belief that we could be better,” former Rep. Stacey Abrams posted on X.
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CNN’s chief international anchor, Christiane Amanpour, wrote on X, “Gloria Steinem will go down in history as one of the most important activists of all time, leading a movement for the equality of half the world: its women.”
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Steinhem’s activism continued later in life, according to the statement. “She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing. She has welcomed hundreds of guests into her living room for Talking Circles, a tradition she insisted will continue long after she is no longer with us.” Her Instagram account features photos of these Talking Circles, including one from less than two months ago.
President of Run For Something, Amanda Litman, wrote about the Talking Circles in her tribute to Steinem on X: “The two talking circles I went to at her home — the first in August 2024, when I was sweating my ass off 8 months pregnant with my second daughter as we talked about the possibility (again!) of electing the first woman president & the second earlier this year, where after a long convo on the future, I got to give her a copy of my book — were experiences I’ll never forget.”
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“Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain. Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle,” the statement read. It also noted that, in lieu of flowers, Steinem asked that anyone wishing to honor her make a donation to Gloria’s Foundation, which, among providing fellowships and residencies to people working on social justice projects, also facilitates the Talking Circles.
The death of the prominent feminist comes shortly after the deaths of other beloved figures like Dolly Parton. The last post on the Gloria’s Foundation Instagram account prior to today’s announcement was an archival photo of her and Parton.
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