Gloria Vanderbilt was known as a teenage socialite, as a fashion designer, and as the mother of Anderson Cooper.
Tragically, the enduring icon has now passed away.
The beloved heiress was 95 years old.
Beloved socialite, fashion designer, and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt passed away early Monday morning.
She was at home, surrounded by friends and family.
Born in 1934, Gloria was 95 years old at the time of her passing.
She was born in France, part of a long line of wealthy heirs to a railroad fortune.
Gloria rose to fame as a teen during a heated custody battle between her mother and her paternal aunt.
Gloria is also extremely well known for being the mother of beloved journalist Anderson Cooper.
“Gloria Vanderbilt was an extraordinary woman,” Anderson began in a statement released on Monday morning.
He notes that his late mother was a person “who loved life, and lived it on her own terms.”
“She was a painter, a writer, and designer,” Anderson acknowledges.
“But,” he adds. “Also a remarkable mother, wife, and friend.”
“She was 95 years old,” Anderson was sure to confirm.
Her last birthday was on February 20 of this year.
“But ask anyone close to her,” his statement continues. “And they’d tell you: She was the youngest person they knew.”
Anderson goes on the priase his mother as “the coolest and most modern.”
Anderson recalls how his mother’s rise to fame during adolescence was a burden on her.
“As a teenager she tried to avoid the spotlight,” Anderson notes.
His statement laments: “but reporters and cameramen followed her everywhere.”
A custody battle of one of the most famous wealthy families in the world was big news, even at the time.
But Gloria didn’t want to be known for her mother and aunt Gertrude’s tug-of-war.
“She was determined to make something of her life,” Anderson affirms in his statement.
He adds that his mother was “determined to make a name for herself.”
“And,” he concludes, she was determined to “find the love she so desperately needed.”
That is beautiful and moving.
It’s also very sad. Our hearts go out to Anderson, his siblings, and the rest of the family at this time.
Gloria remained active on social media until just a week ago.
She recently shared this throwback photo of herself with Anderson Cooper and his brother, Carter.
She estimates the date as being 1979.
On February 20 of this year, Anderson gave his mother a beautiful birthday tribute.
“Happy 95th Birthday to my mom, @gloriavanderbilt,” Anderson wrote.
“Still painting everyday @gloriavanderbiltstudio. Still dreaming and creating, still believing the next great love is right around the corner,” he praised.
“Who knows? Maybe she is right?” he suggested, concluding: “I love you, Mom.”
Gloria inspired generations of people, not only with her designs but with being a good, genuine, caring person.
But to Anderson and her other sons, she was a mother.
We are glad that she lived a full, extraordinary life and we join her countless fans of all ages in grieving this loss.