Rosie O’Donnell Explains Why She Missed ‘The View’ Tribute to Barbara Walters [Video]

Rosie O’Donnell was very close to Barbara Walters, so when fans noticed she wasn’t a part of The View‘s tribute to the legendary broadcaster, fans had some questions.

The comedian explained that she was invited to the talk show but couldn’t make it and didn’t want to get upset, which fans understood.

She responded to a TikTok account by making an Instagram video, saying, “Yeah, they invited me, but I wasn’t able to make it.”

“You know, I didn’t want to be in a big group of people — I was worried that I would get upset and um, didn’t want to do that, so, there you go,” she added.

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The View’s tribute to Barbara Walters included the original cast of the show that started in 1997.  Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, Debbie Matenopoulos, and Barbara Walters, with Joy Behar filling in Walters but eventually becoming a full-time host.

O’Donnell posted a heartwarming tribute after learning of Walter’s death.

@rosie

rest in peace barbara walters #legend

♬ original sound – Rosie ODonnell

She noted how “very sad” she was to hear about Walter’s death.

“What a long and eventful legendary life she had,” the mom-of-five continued, remembering the newscaster’s longevity. “Spoke to every prominent world leader in memory, interviewed everyone who’s anyone, and I was lucky enough to be in her orbit for a good many years.”