SD. Bette Midler, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and More Stars Pay Tribute to Diane Keaton Following Her Death: ‘A National Treasure’
Hollywood is saying goodbye to one of its most beloved icons. 💔
Following the news that Diane Keaton — the Oscar-winning actress best known for Annie Hall, Father of the Bride, and The First Wives Club — died in California at age 79 on Saturday, October 11, tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans have flooded social media.
Known for her singular wit, warmth, and authenticity, Keaton’s passing has left an emotional void across the industry she helped shape for over five decades.
Bette Midler: “She Was a Complete Original”
Keaton’s First Wives Club costar Bette Midler shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, accompanied by a black-and-white photo of her late friend.
“The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died,” Midler wrote. “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 message struck a chord with fans who remembered the on-screen chemistry between the two powerhouse actresses — a dynamic that perfectly captured Keaton’s balance of strength and vulnerability.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley: “Working with You Was the Highlight of My Life”
Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who played Keaton’s daughter in Father of the Bride and its sequel, shared a carousel of photos from the films alongside a deeply personal message.
“Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life,” she wrote. “You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.”
She ended the post with a series of heart emojis and a dove — a simple but moving symbol of peace.
Steve Martin: “It Sums Up Our Delightful Relationship”
Comedian Steve Martin, Keaton’s on-screen husband in Father of the Bride, honored her in his signature humorous way.
Martin reshared a post from Interview Magazine that featured a playful exchange between Martin Short and Keaton.
Short asked, “Who’s sexier, me or Steve Martin?”
Keaton replied: “I mean, you’re both idiots.”
Martin added in his caption, “Don’t know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.”
It was a perfect reflection of the joyful banter and respect that defined their decades-long friendship.
Mary Steenburgen: “There Will Never Be Anyone Like Her”
In a statement to PEOPLE, actress Mary Steenburgen expressed her sorrow and admiration for Keaton:
“Diane was magic. There was no one, nor will there ever be, anyone like her. I loved her and felt blessed to be her friend. My love to her family. What a wonder she was!!!”
Rosie O’Donnell and Diane Kruger Share Emotional Posts
Rosie O’Donnell posted a touching message on Instagram, writing:
“Love to her children — what style, what grace — she will be missed. #RIPDianeKeaton 😥💔.”
Diane Kruger honored Keaton by sharing a smiling photo of the actress wearing one of her trademark hats and scarves, with a simple caption: “💔.”
Lesley Ann Warren: “A Gift to Work Beside Her”
In a statement to PEOPLE, Lesley Ann Warren reflected on working alongside Keaton in the 1976 film Harry and Walter Go to New York:
“I had the absolute gift of working with the brilliant and magical Diane Keaton. I loved her long before and long after. She was one of the icons of supreme artistry, massive talent, and generosity of her enormous gifts. She will be deeply missed.”
Elizabeth Perkins: “You Will Always Be My Annie Hall”
Actress Elizabeth Perkins paid tribute to Keaton’s legacy and influence, posting a stylish photo of her wearing a Gucci pantsuit and loafers.
“Ms. Keaton, you were a national treasure, with style, grace, intelligence, and immense talent,” Perkins wrote. “Thank you for showing a young actress what it meant to be gutsy, self-deprecating, and brave. You owned it… and wow, did you set the bar. You will always be my Annie Hall. Gosh, this cuts deep. 💔”
A Star Beyond the Screen
For decades, Diane Keaton embodied individuality, humor, and heart — both on-screen and off. Her trailblazing career redefined Hollywood femininity, proving that complexity and authenticity could be as captivating as glamour.
As the tributes continue to pour in, one truth is clear: Diane Keaton was not just a performer — she was an original, and she will never be replaced.
🕊️ Rest in peace, Diane Keaton (1946–2025).
