Former 'View' Cohosts Pay Tribute To The Late Barbara Walters

Many of "The View" cohosts have taken to social media to pay their respects and honor Barbara Walters. The late news anchor and host made television history when she launched "The View" in 1997. It was the first ever talk show with an all-female cast that Walters served as a co-host until she retired in 2014. In addition to Walters, the round table discussion show has had 23 other female co-hosts, and many of them are honoring her after her death on Friday at age 93.

Many former cohosts of "The View" have posted tributes in honor of Walters. Rosie O'Donnell took to Instagram and TikTok to remember the late great news reporter. On Instagram, O'Donnell simply captioned a photo of her with Walters, "legend #ripbarbara"

O'Donnell shared some stories in a TikTok video. "Very sad to hear about Barbara Walters passing. Although 93, man, who wouldn't take that? What a long and eventful, legendary life she had," she began her video reminiscing about Walters' life. "Spoke to every prominent world leader in memory, interviewed everyone who was anyone. And I was lucky enough to be in her orbit for a good many years."

She continued talking about the Broadway shows they saw together. "And whenever we'd 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 continued. "She knew what she was doing. I could tell you that."

She concluded her video by saying, "May she rest in peace and may everyone remember just what barrier she broke down for women. She really did. She was the first and will always be remembered."

Many of O'Donnell's TikTok followers took to the comment section to add their condolences and leave their memories of Walters. "What a beautiful eulogy you just spoke. She was a pioneer, which speaks of how strong she had to be. She opened a lot of doors for women," one person wrote. Another added, "Wow this a shock to me. I just woke up and hearing this. Barbara inspired when growing up. When I was younger I would pretend I was Barbara."

Elisabeth Hasselbeck, 45, cohost of "The View" from 2003 to 2013, also posted a tribute on Instagram. Her video montage is captioned, "I love ❤️ you Barbara. GOD is in this story. I have few words tonight- and will be ready to honor you tomorrow Dec 31 at 9am EST (10central) on Fox and friends. It will be an honor to be broadcasting about your love and legacy. ? #thebeststoriesareinheaven"

Jenny McCarthy, 50, who was on the show from 2013 to 2014, also took to Instagram to thank Walters for all she did for her. "Your impact on me will never be forgotten," she included in the caption. "You will forever be an icon, in every sense of the word, and a most beloved friend to me."

One of McCarthy's followers added her thoughts in the comment section of the post. "I thought of you instantly. I loved watching you and Barbara on the View every day for the year you were there and listening to you on the radio during the @jennymccarthyshow you could tell the valuable lessons you had learned from Barbara (and Oprah) with your wonderful interview style with the way you connected with the people you were talking to & the great questions you always asked. Sending love to you & to all the people whose lives Barbara touched by directly & directly. She smashed the glass ceiling for all of us ladies."

Meghan McCain, who joined the series after Walters' retirement in 2017 and was there until 2021, also posted an Instagram tribute. Her caption included, "Her creation of The View is something I will always be appreciative of. Rest in peace, you will forever be an icon."