20 famous people and their final words
Some memorable last words from some very famous people.
Intro
Last words have always fascinated people, especially when those words come from someone famous. No matter how long or short, the phrases almost always seem poetic and many even foreshadow the person’s imminent demise. We’ve put together a list of some of those memorable last words from some very famous people.
John Adams
While John Adams and Thomas Jefferson started out as rivals, they became friends later in life. They both died on July 4, and as Adams lay on his deathbed his last words were reportedly: “Thomas Jefferson survives.” Jefferson had actually died hours earlier.
Augustus
There are plenty of different renditions of the final words of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, including this gem: "I found Rome in clay, I left it in marble." In reality, it's hard to know what he actually said before his death.
Humphrey Bogart
Napoleon Bonaparte
Kurt Cobain
Before the “I love yous” to Courtney Love and their daughter Frances, Kurt Cobain wrote these profound words in his suicide note: "I don't have the passion any more, and so remember, it's better to burn out than to fade away. Peace, love, empathy."
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who gave us the beloved character of Sherlock Holmes, died in his home in Sussex. The New York Times reported that he spoke his final words to his wife, smiling and saying, "You are wonderful."
Bing Crosby
In 1977, while reporting on the death of singer Bing Crosby, the Los Angeles Times wrote that “Crosby's passion for golf nearly equaled his love of performing.” The crooner unfortunately had a heart attack while golfing in Spain. Some claim is last words were, technically, “That was a great game of golf, fellas!” But one of his friends said he didn’t utter a sound when he fell.
Joe DiMaggio
Morris Engelberg, Joe DiMaggio's lawyer, claims the Hall of Fame center fielder died with thoughts of a sultry star running through his mind. He reportedly whispered, "I'll finally get to see Marilyn."
Carrie Fisher
Call it irony, fate, a coincidence. In a late 2016 interview for Rolling Stone, called “The Last Word,” Carrie Fisher, who died on Dec. 27, 2016, was asked if she feared death. Her response: “No. I fear dying. Anything with pain associated with it, I don’t like. I’ve been there for a couple of people when they were dying; it didn’t look like fun. But if I was gonna do it, I’d want someone like me around. And I will be there!”
George Harrison
The English musician who was a member of the legendary Beatles left us in 2001. His wife Olivia says is final words were, simply, “Love one another.”
Whitney Houston
In the days leading up to her death, it is reported that Whitney Houston told friends that “Jesus was cool” and she really wanted to see him. Gossip site TMZ also said sources claimed she was quoting Bible verses about Jesus’ baptism the morning of her death.
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop’s doctor, Conrad Murray, says that before Michael Jackson died "He was pleading and begging to please, please let him have some milk because that was the only thing that would work." According to The Telegraph, “milk” was the alleged nickname for propofol, the powerful hospital anesthetic the singer overdosed on the day he died.
Karl Marx
Several historians claim that when asked if he had anything to say before he died, Karl Marx replied, "Last words are for people who haven't said enough."
Prince
Some of Prince’s last words to his fans were incredibly profound, which makes his death even harder to grasp. According to TMZ, five days before his death, Prince showed up to a local dance party near his home to prove he was still alive and thriving. He also told the crowd, “Wait a few days before you waste any prayers.”
Joan Rivers
The New York Daily News wrote that Melissa Rivers discovered her mom’s last words after she filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the doctors and clinic to hold them accountable for Joan Rivers’ death. She still has not said what those words are, but we can only imagine they were poignant with a dash of humor.
Kate Spade
The world was shocked to learn of fashion icon Kate Spade’s suicide in 2018. According to multiple outlets, her suicide note to her daughter Frances Beatrix read: “Bea — I have always loved you. This is not your fault. Ask Daddy!" While it was reported that Spade’s husband Andy wanted a divorce, the meaning of her final words is unclear.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Paul Walker
Paul Walker, star of the “Fast and Furious” films, loved cars both on and off screen. He reportedly said, “Let’s go for a drive” before perishing in a fatal car crash in 2013.
John Wayne
As cancer was claiming the life of John Wayne, the screen legend had family members by his side as he floated in an out of consciousness. His daughter Aissa reportedly held his hand and asked him if he knew who she was. His final response: “Of course I know who you are. You're my girl. I love you.”
Robin Williams
Susan Williams, widow of comedic legend Robin Williams, told “Good Morning America” of her last conversation with her husband before his apparent suicide in August 2014. While lying in bed, he turned to his wife and said, “Goodnight, my love.” He then grabbed his iPad and Susan thought he looked like he had something to do. The he said one last “goodnight.”
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Amy Winehouse
In the age of the internet, many often talk about a celebrity’s final words on social media. For Amy Winehouse, those words were incoherent and a bit puzzling. Her last tweet before her untimely death from alcohol intoxication read: “Oinka oikna oinka why you awake.”