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Anderson Cooper Remembers His Iconic Mother Gloria Vanderbilt as "Extraordinary Mom" and "Incredible Woman"
Gloria Vanderbilt passed away at the age of 95.
Famed heiress and all-around multi-hyphenate Gloria Vanderbilt has died at the age of 95, her son CNN anchor Anderson Cooper confirmed on Monday (June 17), according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Gloria Vanderbilt was an extraordinary woman who loved life and lived it on her own terms," Cooper said in an on-air eulogy that aired on CNN. "What an extraordinary life. What an extraordinary mom. What an incredible woman."
According to THR, she was at home surrounded by friends and family at the time of her death. E! News reported her son confirmed she had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Over the course of her headline-grabbing life, the socialite made a name for herself due in part to her status as the heir to the Vanderbilt legacy, but also for many other roles and pursuits including actress, fashion icon, activist, and celebrity jeans designer.
With Cooper, she penned the book The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss. She also appeared in the 2016 HBO documentary Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper along with her son.
Together, they appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2016 around the time of the documentary's release, opening up to Cooper's BFF Andy Cohen about their incredible bond.
Andy also paid tribute to her on Instagram, writing: "Gloria Vanderbilt was an amazing woman who lived a life filled with incredible peaks and impossible obstacles. Through it all she remained eternally optimistic with a wicked sense of humor. In fact, Anderson’s iconic and infectious giggle comes from his mom. Sending Anderson all my love, and may she Rest In Peace."
