A Heartfelt Goodbye: Helen Reddy Passes Away at 78

It’s a moment no one ever wants to face, but on September 29, the world lost one of its most iconic voices—Helen Reddy. At the age of 78, the legendary singer, best known for her anthem “I Am Woman,” passed away in Los Angeles. The news was shared by her children, Traci Donat and Jordan Sommers, who announced the heartbreaking loss on their official Facebook page. Helen had been battling dementia for about five years, but her legacy as a trailblazer for women's rights and a beloved entertainer will live on forever.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen Reddy, on the afternoon of September 29, 2020, in Los Angeles,” the family shared in a heartfelt statement. “She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and a truly formidable woman. Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever.”

Helen Reddy Is 'Still Singing' Despite Dementia Diagnosis — Rob Latour/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Remembering Helen Reddy: A Life Well-Lived

Helen Reddy's ex-husband, Jeff Wald, also paid tribute to his late wife, with whom he shared 18 years of marriage and two children, Traci and Jordan. “I am [very] sad to announce that my first wife of 18 years and the mother of my two oldest, Traci and Jordan, has passed away,” he said. “Traci spent the morning with Helen, and she passed soon after under the excellent care of the Motion & Television Home.”

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Helen’s journey in the entertainment world began at a young age. Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, in a family of showbiz stars, she started performing and acting as a child. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and when she moved to the U.S. in the 1960s, she signed with Capitol Records, marking the beginning of a career that would change the face of music forever.

Her Rise to Fame and Cultural Impact

Helen Reddy burst onto the music scene in the early 1970s, with a string of chart-topping hits. Her song “I Am Woman” not only reached the top of the charts but also became an anthem for the women’s rights movement, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1973. It wasn’t just a song; it was a rallying cry for women everywhere, a symbol of empowerment and strength.

Beyond her music, Helen was a trailblazer for women’s rights in the 1970s. She used her platform to advocate for equality and was beloved by fans around the world. As a doting grandmother, she cherished every moment with her grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.

Her Final Years: A Legacy of Strength and Grace

Just weeks before Helen’s passing, her granddaughter, Lily Donat, spoke to Closer Weekly about her grandmother’s journey since being diagnosed with dementia in 2015. “She’s happy. She’s still singing,” the teenager shared, highlighting Helen’s unwavering spirit even in the face of challenges. Since her diagnosis, Helen had been living in a Los Angeles retirement home for performers, where she found peace and comfort in her later years.

Lily described her grandma as “incredibly loving” and someone who “doesn’t apologize for being who she is.” “She’s strong-willed, smart, she’s got a big personality,” Lily gushed. “She’s in a more relaxing, mellow place in her life, but her essence remains unchanged.”

As we reflect on Helen Reddy’s life, we’re reminded of the power of her music and the impact she had on so many lives. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.