It’s been just under a year since the passing of the iconic Gloria Vanderbilt, and her son Anderson Cooper decided to honor her memory on what would have been her 96th birthday. In a heartfelt tribute, Anderson opened up about his mother, sharing his admiration for her unique spirit and the incredible life she led.
On Thursday, February 20th, the 52-year-old journalist took to Instagram to celebrate the life of his late mother. "Today is my mom’s birthday," Anderson wrote alongside a collage of beautiful photos of Gloria. "@gloriavanderbilt would have been 96. She lived life on her own terms, and there was no one else quite like her. What a mom! What a woman! What a life!" But that wasn’t all. Anderson wasn’t done expressing his love for the woman who raised him.
Anderson also shared a deeply personal moment as he sifted through the countless memories left behind by his mother. "I’ve slowly been going through boxes of photos and files. My mom kept every note, every letter she ever received," he revealed. "It is sad going through everything, but it also brings back so many amazing memories. Happy birthday, mom, you will always be in my heart." His words resonated with fans, who were touched by the tender tribute.
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Reactions Pour In
Anderson’s posts were met with an outpouring of love and admiration from fans and friends alike. One commenter wrote, "Nothing in life can compete with a mother’s love. Nothing." Another chimed in, "She was an icon! A true Feminist before that term became popular!" Even Anderson’s close friend Andy Cohen couldn’t resist joining the conversation.
"You really look alike, and I’m not sure I realized it until now," the 51-year-old host of Watch What Happens Live commented, adding another layer of nostalgia to the heartfelt exchange.
Gloria Vanderbilt: A Life Well-Lived
Gloria Vanderbilt, the renowned artist and fashion designer, passed away on June 17, 2019. Since her death, Anderson has been incredibly open about the profound impact she had on his life. During an episode of Anderson 360, he spoke candidly about the loneliness he felt after losing the last of his immediate family. "My dad died when I was 10, and my brother when I was 21. She was the last person who knew me from the beginning. They’re all gone, and it feels very lonely right now," he shared. "I hope they are at least together."
