Gloria Steinem is still looking out for those coming after her.
The social movement activist died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, but left behind reverberating words for generations yet unborn, detailing her life, struggles, and hopes for the future.
Gloria Steinem emerged as the nationally recognized leader of second-wave feminism in the United States in the late 1960s after she published her famous article “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation,” from 1969 till the early 1990s.
The activist, knowing her words would not surface until her death, was asked to give her parting statement as she sat for the Netflix interview filmed in February 2025.
In the final message, Steinem celebrated individuality and the way the media can connect people who may never meet in person. She encouraged her viewers to share their own experiences, saying that personal stories are the bridge that connects people. In her words:
“I wish I could meet each one of you in person, but in a way, this is what allows us now to see each other’s lives, to influence each other’s lives, to respect each other, and to, therefore, perpetuate what we hope is a global democracy.”
The activist concluded her message in the Netflix special, stressing that wherever anyone listening was, they could do what they “love” while holding on to their uniqueness and essence.
The Social Activist Shared Candid Thoughts On Her Feminist Legacy In Final Interview
Steinem, in her last conversation with “Famous Last Words” executive producer Brad Falchuk, also pushed back against a notion that had followed her all her life because of her connection to second-wave feminism. The activist argued that the feminist movement had become too diverse to have just one face or put her at the center.
Steinem suggested that her prominence in the feminist movement may be more connected to the fact that she outlived some activists and kept the wheels of activism turning for decades. The writer also explored several themes in her life, including family, her career as a writer, her love for reality television, and her advocacy for global equality.
She emphasized the importance of belonging to a community and recognizing emerging perspectives within social movements. True to this, Steinem reflected on the conflicts within feminism, including her complicated relationship with Betty Friedan.
She confessed that the period of tension made her realize that being part of a larger group made public criticism and misunderstanding easier to handle.
More From The Blast
Gloria Steinem Insisted Fighting For Change Never Felt Like Taking A Harder Path
In the interview, the 92-year-old expressed hope for the future of social movements, even with a long way to go. She told Falchuk that society still had a long way to go to become compassionate, but she hoped her life’s work, stories, and actions would lead the way and bring joy to many generations.
When asked how she wants to be remembered, Steinem hoped that everyone would praise her for being human and leaving a kind touch on everyone and everything. When the producer suggested that Steinem had taken the difficult path devoted to change, the activist disagreed, saying the work had never felt like a burden to her.
Falchuk later described the interview as a deeply personal reflection on connection, equality, race, gender, and peace. He commended Steinem for staying focused on encouraging others to keep pushing for progress, even in her final public message.
The Gender Equality Advocate’s Foundation Revealed Ways To Honor The Icon
Steinem’s passing at the age of 92 closed a remarkable chapter in the history of the feminist movement. Her death was announced in a joint Instagram statement from her official account and Gloria’s Foundation, which said she was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.
The Blast said the statement celebrated Steinem’s decades-long commitment to equality, noting that she kept advocating for change until the end. She was also remembered for her curiosity, humor, independence, and ability to make people feel heard.
In her later years, the writer remained devoted to writing and building community, opening her home to frequently host “Talking Circles,” gatherings that brought people together for conversation and connection.
According to the announcement, those gatherings will continue after her death, reflecting Steinem’s desire for her home to remain a space for social justice and community. Fans were equally encouraged to light candles in her memory, while those wishing to send flowers were asked to donate to Gloria’s Foundation instead.
Gloria Steinem’s Famous Pals Pay Touching Tributes To Her Legacy
Meghan Markle and Jameela Jamil have since mourned the global feminist icon with deeply personal tributes following her death. Meghan honored her longtime friend and mentor on Instagram, celebrating Steinem’s decades of work for women’s equality and the bond they shared both publicly and privately.
The Duchess of Sussex recalled their advocacy work, award appearances, voter outreach, and private conversations, while noting that Steinem also spent holidays with her family and was affectionate toward her children. Meghan explained that Steinem guided her through hard times in her characteristic humorous way.
She also said she still proudly wears a bracelet Steinem once gave her and highlighted one of the activist’s enduring messages: that people are connected rather than ranked. Like Meghan, Jamil also shared an equally emotional remembrance, revealing that Steinem invited her to her New York apartment just two months before her death.
Sensing it might be their final meeting, Jamil rearranged her travel plans to spend several hours with her. The actress described Steinem as a mentor who encouraged her activism and taught her not to fear making people uncomfortable when speaking the truth.
Even at 92, Jamil recalled, Steinem remained intensely focused on women’s rights and was still challenging what she viewed as misogyny in the media. Jamil added that their last meeting gave her the resilience to keep going with the work Steinem dedicated her life to, and she was grateful to have had one last chance to sit with her mentor and hear her stories.
