Barbara Walters Dead

Barbara Walters, a pioneering television broadcaster who broke through the glass ceiling for women in the male-dominated field of journalism, passed away on Friday at the age of 93. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones, according to her representative, Cindi Berger.

Walters was best known in recent years as the co-creator and matriarch of the popular ABC daytime show "The View," but older viewers will remember her as the first female anchor of a network news program and one of the most prominent interviewers on television. She earned this reputation through her thorough preparation for interviews, whether she was speaking with world leaders, celebrities, or controversial figures.

Walters got her start in journalism in 1961 as a writer on NBC's "TODAY" show. At the time, the idea of a woman interviewing a sitting president on prime-time network television seemed like a pipe dream in an industry dominated by men. However, Walters was determined and worked her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming the first female co-host of "TODAY" in 1974.

Throughout her career, Walters interviewed a wide range of people, from politicians to celebrities to everyday people with extraordinary stories. She was known for her compassionate yet incisive style, and her ability to get her subjects to open up and reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings.

In addition to her work on "TODAY" and "The View," Walters also hosted several other television programs, including "20/20" and "Barbara Walters Specials." She received numerous accolades for her work, including multiple Emmy Awards and a lifetime achievement award from the Television Academy.

Walters leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazer for women in journalism, and her contributions to the field will not be forgotten. She will be remembered as a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of female journalists.