Barbara Walters took leave today from her decades-long career in journalism. Hillary Clinton, Michael Douglas and Oprah Winfrey, surprise guests on The View, reminisced with her and celebrated her remarkable career.

The true legacy of Walters’ career walked in as their names were announced – a parade of accomplished women whose faces have graced or still grace broadcast journalism. Each woman embraced Walters and thanked her for enduring the nonsense (Harry Reasoner made no secret of his disdain, having to share the evening anchor spotlight with her), thanked her for blazing a trail through all that testosterone and for inspiring them to use their gifts, pursue their dreams.

Almost seems silly these days to discuss “the first woman to…” since so few of those titles remain open. And for that reality, we thank many women. Today, especially, we thank Barbara Walters.

(S-R archive photo: Barbara Walters)

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