What a week. First Dolly Parton, now Gloria Steinem.
Steinem died at 92, announced on Instagram by her foundation.
Gloria Steinem was a remarkable person, let alone woman. She actually changed the culture and society around the world — for the better. How many people can that be said of?
She was talented and successful in so many arenas, but it was her creation of Ms. Magazine that cemented her place in society. Yes, there was bra burning and all of that, but that was for effect. Steinem faced down systemic unequal treatment of women at home and in business. She was a revolutionary.
I was lucky enough to know Gloria. Long ago she dated publisher Mort Zuckerman, for whom I worked and new until his health took him off the public stage. Their break up was amicable, and she was still visiting him until recently. She was a mensch.
I’ll say this: at the many thousands of events I’ve been to over the years, seeing Gloria Steinem was always like a balm. She commanded respect. She was a serious person, even with good sense of humor. She will be sorely missed.
