Rosie O'Donnell reveals why she missed The View's Tribute to Barbara Walters
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Rosie O'Donnell is explaining her decision to not take part in The View's tribute to Barbara Walters.
The comedian and longtime talk show host explained her personal choice to a fan who said they were looking out for her on the special tribute to the pioneering journalist, who died last Friday evening at age 93.
"I looked on you on BW tribute today," the fan wrote on O'Donnell's TikTok, the comment popping up in a bubble on the screen.
"Yeah, they invited me, but I wasn't able to make it," O'Donnell, 60, responded in a subdued tone, sharing it on her Instagram.
"You know, I didn't want to be in a big group of people — I was worried that I would get upset and um, didn't want to do that, so, there you go," she said, wearing a black and white sweater with ghost illustrations and matching black and metal-rimmed glasses.
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In response, O'Donnell's loyal fan base seemed understanding.
Weighing in on the exchange, pal Debi Mazar said that "Mourning is personal&PRIVATE A display for PR purposes is kind of vulgar, in my opinion."
"Barbara ADORED you," she added. "Remember when she came backstage after your wonderful performance in The Vagina Monologues? She came just for you.❤️"
Another fan concurred: "I'm glad you were invited…I think your post was a beautiful loving tribute to Barbara. No obligation for you to be there, we all can only do what we are able to do."
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During the show's tribute on Tuesday, original panelists Joy Behar, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones and Debbie Matenopoulos reunited to share their memories alongside alums Lisa Ling, Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, plus current co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin.
Each spoke about Walters and her legacy as a trailblazer, noting the doors she opened for them.
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Following the legendary broadcaster's death, O'Donnell posted a video on her Instagram to pay tribute to Walters, noting she was "very sad" to hear the news of her passing.
"What a long and eventful legendary life she had," the mom-of-five continued, remembering the newscaster's longevity. "Spoke to every prominent world leader in memory, interviewed everyone who's anyone, and I was lucky enough to be in her orbit for a good many years."
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Reflecting on the time they spent together, O'Donnell added, "We saw a lot of Broadway shows together, and whenever we go backstage, I'd, like, try to help her, you know, over the steps backstage and she would always smack my hand and tell me to leave her alone. She [knew] what she was doing I could tell you that."
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"May she rest in peace and may everyone remember just what barriers she broke down for women," concluded O'Donnell. "She really did, she was the first, and will always be remembered."
Walters' death was confirmed on Friday by her rep Cindi Berger who told PEOPLE: "Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. She lived a big life."
"She lived her life with no regrets," Berger's statement continued. "She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists, but for all women."
