Gloria Steinem’s death has left the world in mourning, and Hillary Clinton has now joined the long list of high-profile figures to pay tribute to the late icon,
Clinton expressed profound grief following the passing of the pioneering feminist icon. She described her as an “eternal signal fire” whose decades of tireless activism transformed societal expectations for women.
In addition to Clinton, Julianne Moore also paid tribute to the late icon, noting that her honesty and tolerance gave her a blueprint and “moral roadmap” for life.
4Reflecting on their deep personal bond and Steinem’s enduring legacy, Clinton emphasized how the activist’s vision inspired millions to challenge institutional barriers and pursue equal opportunity.
“I’m heartsick, as I think everyone who not only knew her, but followed her, was inspired and challenged by her,” Clinton said during a call to CBS Mornings.
She reflected on first witnessing Steinem’s impact during the 1960s and 1970s, when the iconic journalist emerged as a leading voice advocating for equal educational and professional access for women.
Reaching back to her own early adulthood, the politician recalled the profound impression Steinem made on her. Clinton described Steinem as “this incredibly smart, beautiful, talented woman” who encouraged women to pursue their dreams without limitation.
The pioneering activist passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, as confirmed in a joint statement released by her foundation and official social media accounts.
Hilary Clinton Highlights Steinem’s Optimism & Pioneering Legacy In Women’s Rights
Expanding on Steinem’s historic legacy, the former secretary of state highlighted how the activist’s optimism and groundbreaking media work laid the foundation for structural progress across society.
She highlighted Ms. magazine, which Steinem co-founded in 1972, as a crucial platform that brought private experiences of gender discrimination into public view. Having faced systemic barriers in education and employment as a young woman, Clinton noted that Steinem’s commentary helped society confront those inequities.
Over time, their shared advocacy grew into a close personal friendship, including a visit to Steinem’s home last year, during which they discussed the pursuit of equality.
Clinton praised Steinem’s unwavering belief in progress as a deliberate moral stance. “Gloria was, at heart, an optimist. Her activism was rooted in optimism. And that’s a moral choice, and she made it every day,” she said.
Describing her as “one of the architects of the entire structure of women’s equality,” Clinton noted that Steinem’s activism paved the way for generations of trailblazers and urged the public to keep Steinem’s inspiring voice alive despite ongoing societal setbacks.
Clinton Remembers Steinem As An ‘Eternal Signal Fire’
4In addition to her institutional achievements, Clinton also emphasized Steinem’s personal warmth and lifelong ability to build connections through empathetic listening.
She reflected on Steinem’s travels across the nation and world and recalled how the activist listened to everyday stories while offering witty encouragement to prevent others from growing discouraged.
Heartwarmingly, Clinton likened Steinem’s enduring presence to signal fires used to bridge distances and unite communities. She described Steinem as an “eternal signal fire” who burned brightly until her final hours and noted that her whole persona embodied possibility.
When asked what message she would pass on to younger generations, including her own granddaughter, Clinton urged young women to draw inspiration from Steinem’s legacy rather than grow disheartened by current challenges.
“Don’t get discouraged, don’t just narrow your world to the problems you have; find ways to reach out and lift up others. And when you do, it’s going to expand your universe,” she stated.
The Pioneering Feminist Leader Passed Away Peacefully At Age 92
4Steinem’s death marks the conclusion of a life spent at the forefront of the women’s liberation movement and feminist journalism.
She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, at her home in New York City, at the age of 92. The announcement was shared early Thursday in a joint statement posted to her official Instagram account and Gloria’s Foundation
“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end. She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing,” the statement read, per People Magazine.
Julianne Moore Pays Tribute To Gloria Steinem Six Years After Playing Her in Biopic
4Following the icon’s death, tributes have continued to pour in from all over the world. According to People Magazine, Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore posted an emotional tribute on Instagram remembering Steinem.
Moore, who portrayed the feminist leader in the 2020 biopic “The Glorias,” reflected on the deep impact of studying Steinem’s life and legacy.
“Her honesty, her tolerance, her patience, and her insistence on humanism and inclusion as she moved through the world offer us all a moral roadmap,” she stated.
Concluding her tribute, Moore thanked Steinem for her life’s work and shared a behind-the-scenes photograph from the set featuring herself, her co-stars, director Julie Taymor, and Steinem.
