By Mark Gray
2:51pm PDT, Sep 30, 2023
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The end of an era.
Senator Dianne Feinstein passed away on Sept. 28 in her Washington, D.C., home after months of declining health. She was 90.
The California politician was first elected to the Senate in 1992 and remained there for three decades. She's the longest serving female senator in U.S. history and the longest tenured senator from California. "We went from two women senators when I ran for office in 1992 to 24 today — and I know that number will keep climbing," she told CNN in 2017.
Following her death, several celebrities, media pundits and top-name politicians publicly reacted to her passing…
Click through to see how she's being remembered…
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"Dianne Feinstein wrote the '94 assault weapons ban that was in force till '04 & reintroduced it in '12 after Sandy Hook. An historic and impactful leader." —Al Franken
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"Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer, let's never forget that. A first in so many ways, and in so many areas. Towards the end of her life everyone focused on her age, but she was a public servant for the ages. Out in front on gun control, out in front when it came to a women running a city! She also worked across the aisle. She stood steady and calm when tragedy gripped her city. She was a public servant people could count on. She served across decades while also being a wife and mother. Damn, that's strength, that's guts, that inner fortitude, that's perseverance! So thank you, Senator Feinstein! For your service to California, to our country. May you rest knowing you served with honor. Bravo!" —Maria Shriver
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"In the last days of her life, Democrats wheeled Sen. Dianne Feinstein into Congress and TOLD her how to vote instead of letting her enjoy the time with her family. That's elder abuse" —Glenn Beck
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"Dianne Feinstein will be rightly remembered as a trailblazer — the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco and the first woman elected to the Senate from California. But once she broke those barriers and walked through those doors, she got to work. I first got to know Dianne in the Senate, where she was a fierce advocate for gun safety measures and civil rights. Later, when I was president, I came to rely on her as a trusted partner in the fight to guarantee affordable healthcare and economic opportunity for everyone. The best politicians get into public service because they care about this country and the people they represent. That was certainly true of Dianne Feinstein, and all of us are better for it. Today Michelle and I are thinking of her daughter, Katherine, and everyone who knew and loved her." –former President Barack Obama
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"Thank you for your decades of service to the State of California and the American people… Diane Feinstein. So many ways to define and celebrate your life, career and accomplishments. I choose… trailblazer." –Billy Baldwin
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"I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Dianne Feinstein. She blazed trails for women in politics and found a life's calling in public service. I'll miss her greatly as a friend and colleague and send my condolences to all who loved her." —former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
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"May you rest in peace Senator Feinstein. Thank you" —Mia Farrow
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"The senior senator of my home state of California, Dianne Feinstein, has passed away at age 90. She was a trailblazer and a leading advocate for an assault weapons ban. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing." —George Takei
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"Heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear friend Dianne Feinstein. Her indomitable, indefatigable leadership made a magnificent difference for our national security and personal safety, the health of our people and our planet, and the strength of our Democracy." —former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
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"Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for [my wife] Jill and me, a cherished friend… Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans — a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that's what Jill and I will miss the most." –President Joe Biden
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"Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer — a giant of the Senate — who dedicated her life to public service. [My wife] Ann and I give our condolences to her loved ones, colleagues, and staff as they mourn her passing." —Senator Mitt Romney
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"Dianne Feinstein was many things — a powerful, trailblazing U.S. Senator; an early voice for gun control; a leader in times of tragedy and chaos. But to me, she was a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but to my wife and daughters for what a powerful, effective leader looks like.
"She was a political giant, whose tenacity was matched by her grace. She broke down barriers and glass ceilings, but never lost her belief in the spirit of political cooperation. And she was a fighter — for the city, the state and the country she loved. Every race she won, she made history, but her story wasn't just about being the first woman in a particular political office, it was what she did for California, and for America, with that power once she earned it. That's what she should be remembered for.
"There is simply nobody who possessed the strength, gravitas, and fierceness of Dianne Feinstein. [My wife] Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by her passing, and we will mourn with her family in this difficult time." —California's Governor Gavin Newsom
