Steinem died at the age of 92, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, activists, celebrities and generations of women who had been influenced by her work. Among those mourning her was Clinton, who described herself as “heartsick” while reflecting on the loss.
Clinton and Steinem had known each other for years, with their relationship extending beyond politics.
Steinem became one of the most recognizable voices of the women’s rights movement beginning in the 1960s and 1970s. Through her writing, activism and public speaking, she challenged traditional expectations surrounding women and encouraged greater equality in American society.
Clinton, who became the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party, frequently crossed paths with Steinem throughout her own public career.
Clinton Remembers Their Final Visit
Following Steinem’s death, Clinton spoke about her final visit with the longtime activist.
In an appearance on CBS Mornings, Clinton recalled Steinem with visible emotion and described herself as “heartsick.” She also reflected on the significance of Steinem’s life and the influence she had on countless women.
Rather than focusing solely on Steinem’s professional achievements, Clinton remembered the person behind the public image.
Why Steinem’s Death Feels So Significant
Steinem’s influence extended far beyond one political campaign or one generation.
She also co-founded Ms. magazine, which became an important platform for feminist writing and commentary.
Her approach was sometimes controversial, but her influence was undeniable.
For millions of women, Steinem represented a generation that challenged institutions and social expectations that had long limited women’s opportunities.
Hillary Clinton’s career unfolded partly within the changing landscape that women such as Steinem helped create.
Clinton became a lawyer, first lady, U.S. senator, secretary of state and eventually a major-party presidential nominee.
Her political career was different from Steinem’s activism, but the two shared an interest in expanding opportunities for women.
That makes Clinton’s tribute particularly meaningful.
She was not simply remembering a famous activist. She was mourning someone whose work belonged to a larger movement that affected the course of her own generation.
A Difficult Moment of Reflection
The death of someone who has been present throughout much of one’s adult life can bring a powerful sense of time passing.
For Clinton, remembering Steinem also meant looking back at decades of political and social change.
The women’s movement has evolved significantly since Steinem first became nationally prominent. Some battles have been won, while others remain unresolved.
Steinem’s death therefore represents both a personal loss and the closing of an important chapter in American history.
Her Legacy Will Continue
Although Gloria Steinem is gone, the issues she spent her life discussing remain part of public conversation.
Women who grew up reading her work, hearing her speeches or encountering her activism have carried those ideas into politics, journalism, business, education and countless other fields.
Clinton’s tribute reflected that continuing influence.
The sadness surrounding Steinem’s death is inseparable from appreciation for the life she lived and the changes she helped inspire.
More Than a Headline
Viral posts sometimes reduce a deeply personal moment to a dramatic phrase such as “Hillary Clinton shares tragic news.”
But behind the headline was something more human: a woman grieving the death of a longtime friend and influential figure.
Clinton’s emotional response to Steinem’s passing serves as a reminder that history is not only made through elections, legislation and famous speeches.
It is also shaped by relationships, conversations and people who encourage others to imagine a different future.
For Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem was one of those people.
And for generations of women, Steinem’s voice remains part of the history she helped create.