Iconic talk show host, Larry King, children’s book author Beverly Cleary, and baseball legend Hank Aaron are just a few of the notable people that passed away this year. Take a look to see who else died in 2021.
Here are some people who were lost this year:
Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II announced the death of her husband, Prince Philip, on April 9. He died at the age of 99.
As CNN noted, Philip spent a month in two hospitals in London. He was treated for an infection and underwent heart surgery.
Bob Dole
Former Republican presidential nominee and World War II veteran Bob Dole died on December 5.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep,” the Elizabeth Dole Foundation said in a statement.
It continued, “At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years.”
According to NBC News, Dole revealed in February he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and said he was beginning treatment.
Colin Powell
Colin Powell, the first Black man to serve as secretary of state, died due to complications from COVID-19 in October.
“We want to thank the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center for their caring treatment. We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” his family wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.
CNN reported that Powell had “multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells that suppresses the body’s immune response, as well as Parkinson’s,” according to Peggy Cifrino, Powell’s longtime chief of staff.
He also served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and national security adviser.
Beverly Cleary
HarperCollins announced beloved children’s book author Beverly Cleary died in March at 104 years old.
President and Publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books, Suzanne Murphy, said in a statement, “We are saddened by the passing of Beverly Cleary, one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. Looking back, she’d often say, ‘I’ve had a lucky life,’ and generations of children count themselves lucky too—lucky to have the very real characters Beverly Cleary created, including Henry Huggins, Ramona and Beezus Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse, as true friends who helped shape their growing-up years.”
She added, “We at HarperCollins also feel extremely lucky to have worked with Beverly Cleary and to have enjoyed her sparkling wit. Her timeless books are an affirmation of her everlasting connection to the pleasures, challenges, and triumphs that are part of every childhood.”
Rush Limbaugh
Conservative host Rush Limbaugh died in February at the age of 70.
His wife made the announcement on his radio show.
“I know that I am most certainly not the Limbaugh that you tuned in to listen to today,” Kathryn Limbaugh said.
She added, “I, like you, very much wish Rush was behind this golden microphone right now, welcoming you to another exceptional three hours of broadcasting. … It is with profound sadness I must share with you directly that our beloved Rush, my wonderful husband, passed away this morning due to complications from lung cancer.”
Larry King
Larry King, the iconic talk show host, died in January at the age of 87.
A statement announcing his passing was posted on his verified Facebook account.
“For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster,” the statement read.
According to CNN, King battled several health problems over the years. No cause of death was given but a spokesperson said he had COVID-19.
Willard Scott
Legendary weatherman for “TODAY,” Willard Scott, died in September. He was 87 years old.
In 1980, Scott joined “TODAY.” According to the network, he was known for wishing happy birthday to viewers turning 100.
“TODAY’s” Al Roker wrote on Instagram, “We lost a beloved member of our [Today Show] family this morning.”
He added, “He was truly my second dad and am where I am today because of his generous spirit. Willard was a man of his times, the ultimate broadcaster. There will never be anyone quite like him.”
Malikah Shabazz
Last month, the daughter of slain Black civil rights activist Malcolm X, died at the age of 56.
A spokesperson for New York City’s chief medical examiner’s office, Julie Bolcer, said Malikah Shabazz appeared to die of natural causes.
The “cause of death is pending the final results of additional testing, but the death does not appear to be suspicious following initial review,” Bolcer said.
Shabazz is the youngest of Malcolm X’s daughters.
Lee Elder
Lee Elder, the first Black golfer to play in the Masters, died in November. He was 87 years old.
The PGA Tour made the announcement, adding, “Lee was honored this past April at Augusta National and his legacy will surely live on.”
Michael Collins
Michael Collins, the Apollo 11 astronaut, died in April at the age of 90.
Collins stayed behind on the command module while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked the moon.
His family said in a statement Collins passed away after a “valiant battle with cancer.”
The statement continues, “Mike always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge, in the same way.”
Collins’ family explained they “will miss him terribly. Yet we also know how lucky Mike felt to have lived the life he did. We will honor his wish for us to celebrate, not mourn, that life.”
Walter Mondale
Former Vice President and U.S. Senator Walter Mondale died in April. He was 93 years old.
Mondale served as vice president under former President Jimmy Carter. Carter called Mondale “the best vice president in our country’s history.”
He continued, “Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service and private behavior.”
Hank Aaron
Baseball legend Hank Aaron died in January at 86 years old.
Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred said Aaron “is near the top of everyone’s list of all-time great players. His monumental achievements as a player were surpassed only by his dignity and integrity as a person.”
He added, “Hank symbolized the very best of our game, and his all-around excellence provided Americans and fans across the world with an example to which to aspire. His career demonstrates that a person who goes to work with humility every day can hammer his way into history — and find a way to shine like no other.”
Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.
James Michael Tyler
Actor James Michael Tyler died in October at 59 years old. He was known for his role on the show “Friends.”
His manager, Tony Benson, said Tyler died of cancer.
“Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures,” Benson said in a statement. “If you met him once you made a friend for life.”
His costars paid Tribute to Tyler.
Halyna Hutchins
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died in October after actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the set of a movie. She was 42 years old.
Baldwin said in a tweet, “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours.”
