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The dying words of famous people are a unique form of recording history, and often go down either as profound departing statements or witty off-the-cuff gags. Either way, these last-gasp announcements are what many stars are remembered for as they drew their last breath.
Curious? Click through and ponder some of the most famous celebrity sign-offs ever uttered.
The British royal family are notoriously private and rarely share what goes on behind closed doors. When Queen Elizabeth passed away on September 8, 2022, her final words were kept secret, only to be shared with those closest to her. However, royal biographer Robert Hardman has revealed that she did leave behind two last letters, written two days before her death. The letters were found in her famous red box—a locked box with only two keys, one for her and one for her private secretary, Sir Edward Young, in which the important documents she dealt with every day were held. Young reportedly found a letter addressed to King Charles, and a letter addressed to himself.
“We will probably never know what they said. However, it is clear enough that the Queen had known that the end was imminent and had planned accordingly. Were they final instructions or final farewells? Or both?” Hardman wrote. “Elizabeth II had been completing her own last pieces of unfinished business.”
"Shoot, coward, you are only going to kill a man!" This is what the revolutionary cried out to Sergeant Terán, who was about to execute him.
Famed as one of the Blues Brothers, an actor, and a comedian, John Belushi tragically passed away due to a narcotics overdose. His final words, recounted by his friend Catherine Smith, who was with him during that tragic moment, were: "Just don't leave me alone."
While battling cancer in his hospital bed, John Wayne looked to his wife Pilar and uttered, "Of course I know who you are. You're my girl. I love you." He died shortly afterwards.
"Every damn fool thing you do in this life you pay for." This was the final piece of wisdom uttered by the French singer.
The Greek mathematician died at the hands of a Roman soldier. He was working on a problem when the soldier approached him. The famous inventor shouted: "Stand away, fellow, from my diagram!"
In the moments leading to his passing, the famed boxer appeared remarkably serene. He said: "I'm in no pain. No pain. Don't cry for me, Rahaman. I'm going to be with Allah. I made peace with God, I'm OK. Rahaman, how do I look?"
"I hope this exit is joyful and I hope never to return." These comprised the final words extracted from the journal entry of the Mexican artist.
The final words of the American poet were: "I must go in, for the fog is rising."
"A dying man can do nothing easy." Franklin uttered these words when his daughter asked him to shift his position for improved breathing.
Prior to his passing, Edison was in a coma. Emerging from this state, he uttered: "It is very beautiful over there."
The final words spoken by Coco Chanel were directed towards her maid. She said: "You see, this is how you die."
As he approached a coma, Humphrey Bogart, in the advanced stages of cancer, expressed: "Goodbye, kid. Hurry back." While his wife, Lauren Bacall, briefly left his hospital bedside to retrieve their children, Humphrey Bogart was in a state of unconsciousness. She recounted this incident in her book 'Lauren Bacall by Myself.'
A preeminent orator, British statesman, soldier, and politician Sir Winston Churchill left this world with these somber words directed at his son-in-law: "I'm bored with it all."
When Marie Antoinette accidentally stepped on her executioner's foot, she uttered, "Pardon me, sir. I did not do it on purpose."
The French astrologer and physician was famous for his prophetic predictions. In fact, he was so good he even predicted his own demise and is alleged to have said to his secretary: "Tomorrow I shall no longer be here" or "You will not find me alive at sunrise." Regardless of the circumstances, the following morning found him deceased.
"I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have." These are the last words from the man responsible for painting 'The Last Supper' and the 'Mona Lisa.' Incidentally, there are very few representations of Leonardo da Vinci but pictured is one of the few, done by the man himself when he was around 60 years old.
"Oh my God." These were the last words spoken by the Princess of Wales after the fatal car accident that took her life.
A legendary figure of classic Hollywood cinema, Joan Crawford was in her final moments when she noticed her housekeeper in prayer. Enraged, the actress let out a sharp cry: "Damn it! Don’t you dare ask God to help me!"
Renowned writer Truman Capote, celebrated for his novella 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1958) and the true crime novel 'In Cold Blood' (1966), uttered his last word, "Mama," as he breathed his final breath.
The last words of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs were reportedly, "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow." Contrary to widespread speculation, Steve Jobs' final words were focused on his deep appreciation for his family, rather than being a commentary on wealth.
The precise last words of George Harrison, possibly exchanged in the presence of family members, remain unknown. However, during a hospital visit from his former bandmate Ringo Starr, Harrison imparted the message: "Love one another."
Fittingly perhaps, Bing Crosby, a passionate golfer, died after finishing up a round of golf in Spain. As he approached the clubhouse, the legendary crooner turned to his buddies and said, "That was a great game of golf fellas!" Moments later, he collapsed and succumbed to a massive heart attack.
After being targeted by the disturbed gunman Mark David Chapman, John Lennon mustered the strength to take a few faltering steps towards the entrance of the apartment building he was headed to. In a voice of distress, he moaned, "I'm shot!" These words were repeated twice before he fell to the ground. Tragically, the former Beatle passed away shortly thereafter in hospital.
Josephine Baker was at a party in Paris held in her honor after the performer's triumphant return to the stage. Reportedly trying to seduce a man several decades younger than she was but having no luck, Baker scoffed: "Oh, you young people act like old men. You are no fun." Leaving shortly afterwards, the singer and dancer died alone later that night of a stroke.
The often-debated last words attributed to German composer Ludwig van Beethoven persist: "Friends applaud, the comedy is over." These words endure because this phrase was commonly employed to conclude a performance of commedia dell'arte, an Italian comedic play style popular during Beethoven's era.
As chronicled in his fiancée Ginger Alden's memoir 'Elvis & Ginger,' Elvis Presley's reported final words before his passing were, "I'm going to the bathroom to read." Alden was the last individual to see him alive.
Realizing his time was drawing near, 86-year-old Groucho Marx delivered one final witty remark. Humorously, he quipped to a nurse at the hospital, "Die my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do." Groucho Marx enjoyed the longest life among his siblings, yet his passing and legacy were somewhat overshadowed by the sudden demise of Elvis Presley, which occurred just three days prior.
The beloved actor from 'Little House on the Prairie' (1974–1982) fought cancer with courage, but his battle was ultimately futile. Surrounded by his family, including his son, at his bedside, Landon's son expressed that it was time to let go. In agreement, the actor responded, "You're right. It's time. I love you all." And with those words, he peacefully passed away.
Jane Austen, renowned for novels like 'Sense and Sensibility' (1811), 'Pride and Prejudice' (1813), and 'Mansfield Park' (1814), passed away at the age of 41 while enduring severe agony. In her final moments, she expressed to her older sister Cassandra, "I want nothing but death," as she lay on her deathbed. True to her words, death eventually came to her.
"Get out of here and leave me alone. Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough already," the eminent philosopher Karl Marx sharply retorted when asked if he had any final thoughts before his passing.
Approximately 37 years after Marilyn Monroe's passing, her former husband Joe DiMaggio whispered to lawyer Morris Engelberg on his deathbed, "I finally get to see Marilyn."
"I've had a hell of a lot of fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it." When Errol Flynn uttered these words after suffering a heart attack, he effectively created his own eulogy. He died soon afterwards and was buried with six bottles of his favorite whiskey.
"I'm losing it," were the final words Frank Sinatra spoke to his wife Barbara before his passing in a hospital following a heart attack. His wife was by his side during his last moments.
When asked about her wishes while recovering from heart surgery, Lucille Ball replied, "My Florida Water." Regrettably, she passed away before a bottle of her favorite perfume could be located.
"I'd like to have some milk. Please, please give me some more." These are Michael Jackson's last words. This remark alluded to the potent anesthetic to which he had developed an addiction. Tragically, this anesthetic was administered as a fatal dose to the 'Thriller' singer by his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray.
Sources: (The Guardian) (USA Today) (Rolling Stone)
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CELEBRITY Deaths
The dying words of famous people are a unique form of recording history, and often go down either as profound departing statements or witty off-the-cuff gags. Either way, these last-gasp announcements are what many stars are remembered for as they drew their last breath.
Curious? Click through and ponder some of the most famous celebrity sign-offs ever uttered.