Journalism stalwart Barbara Walters sensed the inevitable approach of a major life change. During her 16th season on “The View,” while sharing a meal with ABC executive Anne Sweeney, the veteran journalist mysteriously asked Sweeney to write down the year 2014 on a piece of paper. The mysterious moment marked the first steps in Walters’ consideration of leaving the career that had defined her for decades.
In the months leading up to that decision, Walters endured a series of health setbacks, including a fall and a bout of chicken pox, yet she persevered and returned to her duties on “The View.” However, interviews with Sweeney hinted at a looming departure from the world of broadcasting, signaling a sea change for the iconic journalist.
In journalist Ramin Setoodeh’s 2019 book, “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View,'” Sweeney recalled that “she chose her date.” When the pioneering news anchor was created and co-hosted “The View,” one of the network’s most popular (and controversial) shows since 1997, the network initially feared losing her.
However, Walters’ health deteriorated over the course of the year and it soon became apparent that the 84-year-old could not continue to work. “One day she fell into the conductor’s arms when the performance was about to end,” Setoodeh wrote.
“They had to carry her into the green room and put her on the couch there. The paramedics were called by the staff.” According to the book, Walters was “worried that the sight of her on the stretcher would make the papers”, but eventually agreed to see a doctor and returned to the set the next morning.
‘The View’ co-hosts react to Barbara Walters’ departure
Setoodeh noted, “Barbara acted like it was normal.”
Walters’ retirement was approached with much fanfare and fanfare.
In honor of Barbara Walters’ 17th and final season, ABC aired a two-hour prime-time special following her career, renamed its Upper West Side headquarters the Barbara Walters Building, and welcomed back Meredith Vieira and Star Jones as original “View” co-hosts.
The Emmy winner’s most recent episode featured Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, and Hillary Clinton as special guests and aired in May 2014. The woman of the hour said she was looking forward to “taking a deep breath” and “enjoying [her] view” as she said goodbye to viewers. 61
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But Walters didn’t stay in the background for long. She returned as a guest in 2014 and 2015 before deciding to retire.
The former “20/20” host died Friday at her New York home. She was ninety-three.
Barbara Walters, an iconic figure in broadcast journalism, knew when it was time for her to leave. In a mysterious gesture during a lunch meeting with ABC executive Anne Sweeney, she asked her to write 2014 on a piece of paper. This marked the beginning of Walters’ preparations to retire from his illustrious broadcasting career.
Her decision to retire came after a series of health problems that began in 2013 and raised concerns about her ability to continue working. Despite health issues, Walters continued with resilience, showing determination and a strong work ethic until her retirement.
As she neared the end of her tenure on “The View,” Barbara Walters was celebrated with tributes, a prime-time special tracking her career, and a finale episode with distinguished guests. Her farewell marked the end of an era of television journalism.
However, retirement did not limit Walters for long. After a brief return as a guest co-host, she eventually accepted retirement. Sadly, the pioneering journalist died at her New York home at the age of ninety-three, leaving behind a profound legacy in journalism and television.
Barbara Walters’ journey—from her impressive career to her graceful exit and eventual departure—remains a testament to her indelible mark on the field of journalism and her enduring influence on television.