Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist, writer and activist who helped define the modern women’s movement, has died at 92.
Steinem died Wednesday at her home in New York, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement posted to her Instagram.
“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” the statement said.
“Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor.”
The statement did not say how she died.
She was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1934 and spent much of her childhood traveling the country in a trailer with her traveling salesman father, Leo, before returning to her hometown with her mother, Ruth, after the couple divorced.
She made her name as a journalist in New York, famously going undercover as a Playboy Bunny in 1963 to expose the exploitation of women working at the club.
In 1968, she helped launch New York magazine, where she wrote about politics, culture and the growing women’s liberation movement.
Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine in 1972, turning it into a powerful national platform for abortion rights, equal pay, sexual harassment and other issues affecting women.
She also helped found the National Women’s Political Caucus, which worked to get more women into political office and give them a bigger voice in government.
Steinem was diagnosed with breast cancer at 52 in 1986, but was declared cancer-free after she underwent surgery
She was later diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, a painful nerve condition, in 1994.
Steinem became a fixture at marches, rallies and on TV, pushing for abortion rights, the Equal Rights Amendment and broader equality while helping bring feminism into the mainstream.
She did not marry until she was 66, when she wed businessman and environmentalist David Bale, dad of actor Christian Bale, in 2000.
He died of brain lymphoma just three years later.
Steinem, who never had children of her own, became stepmother to Bale’s four children after their marriage.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
