Gloria Steinem, the second-wave feminist and close friend of Meghan Markle, has died “peacefully” at the age of 92, it has been confirmed.
The news was confirmed by her organisation, Gloria’s Foundation, who posted: “Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her. Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end.
“Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor.”
It continued: “She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing. She has welcomed hundreds of guests into her living room for Talking Circles, a tradition she insisted will continue long after she is no longer with us. As Gloria wrote in her forthcoming book An Unexpected Life: ‘I have now lived for more than fifty years in this brownstone, in rooms that have witnessed lives before mine, and will know others after I am gone.’
“This book, along with her commitment to her home becoming a center for social justice movements, are among the many gifts Gloria has given the world with the hope they have ripple effects for generations to come. Gloria often quoted the adage: ‘The flap of a butterfly’s wing can change the weather hundreds of miles away.'”
The statement concluded: “Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain. Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle. In lieu of flowers, Gloria has asked that those wishing to honor her with a gift, may make a donation to Gloria’s Foundation.”
The post was accompanied by a picture of the feminist while she was at an event for Gloria’s Foundation.
Fans have been quick to pay tribute, as one said: “Gloria was one of a kind. Genuine, generous, curious, thoughtful. She lived a staggering life and her passing is a staggering loss tempered only by the ferocity of her legacy.”
A second added: “Sigh. The weight of women’s shoulders illuminated and shaped by Gloria’s presence. A true dynamo and force,” and a third commented: “Thank you, Gloria – for inspiring generations of women to know our power, use our voices, and find strength in one another. What an incredible legacy. Rest in peace.”
Gloria’s friendship with Meghan Markle
One fan who will be devastated is the Duchess of Sussex, with the pair growing close after Meghan and Prince Harry moved to the United States in 2020.
Speaking to Access about the royal, Gloria once remarked: “Meg is herself, smart, authentic, funny, political. She came home to vote. And the first thing we did and why she came to see me was we sat at the dining room table here, where I am right now, and cold-called voters. And said, ‘Hello, I’m Meg,’ and, ‘Hello, I’m Gloria,’ and, ‘Are you going to vote?’ That was her initiative.”
© Getty Images Ms. Foundation forMeghan referred to Gloria as a friend in August 2020 when at an event about women’s suffrage, the Duchess said: “I firmly believe that we vote to honour those who came before us and to protect those who come after us. Ms. Steinem, my friend Gloria, is one of the women I honour when I vote.”
The duo’s friendship endured throughout the years, with the pair seen enjoying a dinner together in 2022, and Gloria presented Meghan with a Women of Vision award, for her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls in 2023.
Who was Gloria Steinem?
Born in 1934, Gloria rose to prominence as a columnist for the New York magazine and co-founder of Ms. magazine. In 1969, she published an article entitled ‘After Black Power, Women’s Liberation’, establishing herself as a face of second-wave feminism.
She later served as the co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Women’s Action Alliance, which aimed to empower women to stand for elected office and to advance feminist causes.
© Getty ImagesDuring her life, she advocated for civil rights, anti-war efforts and reproductive rights.
She has been awarded dozens of honours for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest honour that a civilian in the United States can be awarded.
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