Legendary New York gossip columnist Liz Smith died Sunday of natural causes, according to the New York Times. She was 94.
After graduating from Hardin-Simmons University, Smith moved to New York with just two suitcases, $50 in her pocket, and no job prospects. Following a short stint where she served as producer for Mike Wallace during his time with CBS Radio, Smith bounced around from Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated in the 1960s before landing her own self-titled column in the New York Daily News in 1976.
Smith rose to prominence while covering the divorce between Donald Trump and ex-wife Ivana. She was so effective at getting under Trump's skin that he once offered to buy the publication just so he could fire her.
Since the news of her passing, celebrities reflected on her life and her lasting impact.
A tabloid tradition passes: columnist Liz Smith, dead at 94
Liz Smith, the Grande Dame of Dish whose newspaper column fed readers' hunger for gossip about the rich and famous for more than three decades, has died. She was 94. pic.twitter.com/knp7QPo1xX
RIP to one of the First Ladies of reporting, @LizSmth. Resharing this @nytimes piece of late.https://t.co/WlcYbLvmGV
Here's @johnleland's great Liz Smith profile from this summer. RIP to a real powerhouse of old-school newspaper gossip. #respect https://t.co/krRmoj3M3h
Liz Smith #RIP. One of a kind and a Texan through and through.
