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Rosie O’Donnellis explaining her decision to not take part inThe View’s tribute toBarbara Walters.
The comedian and longtime talk show host explained her personal choice to a fan who said they were looking out for her on thespecial tribute to the pioneering journalist, whodied last Friday evening at age 93.
“I looked on you on BW tribute today,” the fan wrote on O’Donnell’s TikTok, the comment popping up in a bubble on the screen.
“Yeah, they invited me, but I wasn’t able to make it,” O’Donnell, 60, responded in a subdued tone, sharing it on her Instagram.
“You know, I didn’t want to be in a big group of people — I was worried that I would get upset and um, didn’t want to do that, so, there you go,” she said, wearing a black and white sweater with ghost illustrations and matching black and metal-rimmed glasses.
In response, O’Donnell’s loyal fan base seemed understanding.
Weighing in on the exchange, pal Debi Mazar said that “Mourning is personal&PRIVATE A display for PR purposes is kind of vulgar, in my opinion.”
“Barbara ADORED you,” she added. “Remember when she came backstage after your wonderful performance in The Vagina Monologues? She came just for you.❤️”
Another fan concurred: “I’m glad you were invited…I think your post was a beautiful loving tribute to Barbara. No obligation for you to be there, we all can only do what we are able to do.”
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During the show’s tribute on Tuesday, original panelistsJoy Behar,Meredith Vieira,Star JonesandDebbie Matenopoulosreunited to share their memories alongside alumsLisa Ling,Sherri ShepherdandElisabeth Hasselbeck, plus current co-hostsWhoopi Goldberg,Sunny Hostin,Sara HainesandAlyssa Farah Griffin.
Each spoke about Walters and her legacy as a trailblazer, noting the doors she opened for them.
“What a long and eventful legendary life she had,” the mom-of-five continued, remembering the newscaster’s longevity. “Spoke to every prominent world leader in memory, interviewed everyone who’s anyone, and I was lucky enough to be in her orbit for a good many years.”
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Reflecting on the time they spent together, O’Donnell added, “We saw a lot of Broadway shows together, and whenever we go backstage, I’d, like, try to help her, you know, over the steps backstage and she would always smack my hand and tell me to leave her alone. She [knew] what she was doing I could tell you that.”
“May she rest in peace and may everyone remember just what barriers she broke down for women,” concluded O’Donnell. “She really did, she was the first, and will always be remembered.”
“She lived her life with no regrets,” Berger’s statement continued. “She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists, but for all women.”
source: people.com
