Bette Midler Remembers Diane Keaton’s Magical Legacy After Her Death

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actress Diane Keaton, who passed away at the age of 79 on October 11, 2023, due to pneumonia. In the wake of her death, fellow actress Bette Midler has been vocal about her cherished memories with Keaton, highlighting the profound impact she had on both her life and career.

During an appearance on the October 16 episode of *Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen*, Midler reminisced about their time together on the film *First Wives Club*. “My favorite was of course, *First Wives Club*. We had so much fun on that show,” Midler recalled. “I think that was the most fun I ever had because those two girls, between them, I was on the floor every single day. I was crying with laughter.”

Keaton’s family confirmed her passing on October 15, revealing that pneumonia was the cause. Following the announcement, Midler expressed her admiration for Keaton, describing her as a “magical” presence. “I met her a long, long time ago. A girlfriend introduced me to her and I’ve always adored her,” she said. “She was so unique, so special, so completely who she was and inimitable.”

Midler further elaborated on Keaton’s extraordinary personality during an earlier appearance on *The Late Show With Stephen Colbert*. “She was such a genius,” Midler stated. “There was something about her that was utterly magical… she was completely her own person and inimitable.”

The bond among the trio of women—Midler, Keaton, and Goldie Hawn—is well-documented, particularly in *First Wives Club*, where they portrayed former college best friends who unite against their estranged husbands. The film, which was released in 1996, is an adaptation of Olivia Goldsmith’s 1992 novel, and its success solidified their friendship both on and off-screen.

In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Midler shared her deep sorrow over Keaton’s passing. “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died,” she captioned a photo of her late friend. “I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was… oh, la, lala!”

Midler’s poignant reflections capture the essence of Keaton’s spirit, emphasizing her authenticity and unmatched talent. As fans and friends continue to honor Keaton’s legacy, it is clear that her influence will resonate within the entertainment industry for years to come.