Gloria Steinem, Feminist Icon and Close Friend of Meghan Markle, Dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, the pioneering journalist and activist who became the public face of second-wave feminism, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at her home in New York City. The announcement was made Thursday through her foundation's verified Instagram account, stating that Steinem 'passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her.' She was 92. Steinem's nearly century-long life was devoted to advancing women's rights across multiple domains. She co-founded Ms. magazine in the 1970s, helping establish one of the first major publications to address women's broader concerns beyond domestic roles. She also helped create the Women's Action Alliance and the National Women's Political Caucus, working to increase female representation in elected office. Her advocacy extended to reproductive freedom, workplace equality, and combating gender-based discrimination at every level of society. Among her many honors was the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2013. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the globe, with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, sharing a particularly personal remembrance. Breaking a period of social media silence, Markle posted an Instagram carousel featuring rare family photos, including a previously unseen image of Steinem holding toddler Archie's hand during a visit to the family home. In her lengthy written tribute, Markle described Steinem as both a 'friend and mentor' whose private kindness matched her public legacy. She recalled Steinem spending Thanksgiving with her family, offering counsel during challenging periods, and forming genuine bonds with Prince Harry and their children. Markle highlighted one of Steinem's favorite anecdotes about a stranger in New York who was embarrassed her daughter didn't know who she was—to which Steinem reportedly replied, 'It doesn't matter if she knows who I am. What matters is that she knows who SHE is.' The friendship between Steinem and Markle spanned years of joint activism on voting rights and women's empowerment. In 2020, they conducted a public 'backyard chat' together on the importance of voting and female representation. Steinem had praised Markle as 'smart, authentic, funny, political,' and demonstrated unwavering support as the duchess navigated life in the public eye. Steinem's foundation confirmed in its announcement that 'Gloria's near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end.'