Let’s talk about Barbara Walters, a trailblazer in journalism and television hosting. Over her illustrious career, Barbara became a household name, gracing screens as the anchor of 20/20 and later co-creating and co-hosting The View. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable, but like all of us, she’s had her ups and downs in both her personal and professional life.
Barbara Walters on Marriage: A Career That Outshone Romance
Barbara Walters was always candid about her personal life, and she once opened up to ABC News in 2014 about her struggles with marriage. “I don’t think that I was very good at marriage,” she admitted. “Maybe my career was just too important to me. Or maybe I was just a difficult person to be married to. But honestly? I’ve found that I’m better alone. And you know what? Alone doesn’t mean lonely. I’m content with who I am, and that’s a beautiful thing.”
Her First Marriage: A Short-Lived Chapter
In 1955, Barbara tied the knot with Robert Henry Katz, a Navy veteran and business executive. They celebrated their union at the iconic Plaza Hotel when Barbara was just 22 years old. But like many young marriages, theirs didn’t last long. By 1957, just two years after their wedding, the couple decided to part ways. It was a brief chapter in Barbara’s life, but one that set the tone for her future relationships.
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Marriage No. 2: A Family Grows
Fast forward to 1963, and Barbara found herself walking down the aisle again, this time with Broadway producer Lee Guber. Together, they adopted a daughter, Jackie, in 1968. Jackie’s adoption was a special moment in Barbara’s life, and she often spoke about it with love and warmth. In a heartfelt 2002 interview with NBC News, Jackie shared how her mom framed her adoption: “She used to say that some mothers have babies from their tummies, and some have them from their hearts. And you came from my heart.”
Despite their bond, Barbara and Lee’s marriage faced challenges. They ultimately divorced in 1976, and tragically, Lee passed away in 1988. But through it all, Barbara remained a steadfast and loving mother to Jackie, even as her daughter battled addiction and ran away from home for a month. Thankfully, Jackie found her way back with the help of an intervention program in Idaho.
Marriage No. 3: Twice the Love, Twice the Heartbreak
Barbara’s last legal marriage was to Lorimar CEO Merv Adelson, and it wasn’t just one marriage—it was two! The couple wed in 1981 but separated in 1984, only to reunite and remarry in 1986. However, their second union also ended in divorce in 1992. Merv’s life took a turn for the worse in his later years, losing 90 percent of his wealth and living in a small Santa Monica apartment. Yet Barbara spoke fondly of him, calling him “a kind, funny, thoughtful man.” Reflecting on their time together, she told Vanity Fair in 2013, “Would things have worked out differently for Merv if we had stayed together? I don’t know. Probably not. I have no regrets.”
Beyond Marriage: Love and Relationships
Barbara’s romantic life didn’t stop at marriage. She dated prominent figures like Alan Greenspan and John Warner and even claimed to have had an affair with Senator Edward Brooke in the 1970s. While her relationships may not have always led to long-term partnerships, they were undoubtedly part of her rich and varied life experiences.
Barbara Walters’ life is a testament to resilience, passion, and determination. While her personal life may have had its share of challenges, her career has been nothing short of extraordinary. As we look back on her journey, we can’t help but admire a woman who broke barriers and inspired countless others to follow their dreams.
