Hollywood icon Goldie Hawn delivered an emotional and tearful speech honouring her late friend and co-star, Diane Keaton, at a major industry event this week. The 80-year-old actress paid tribute to Keaton, who passed away on October 11 at the age of 79, during the Women in Entertainment Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel.
A Friendship Forged in Film and Neighbourhoods
Overcome with emotion, Hawn recalled the immense joy and vitality Keaton brought to every situation. "She just brought so much joy, so much life, so much exuberance. She was like lightning in a bottle," Hawn stated in a video shared by The Hollywood Reporter. The two actresses famously starred together in the 1996 hit comedy The First Wives Club.
Hawn's voice broke as she shared a more personal memory of their close proximity in daily life. "We lived in neighbouring buildings. It was just the greatest thing knowing she was just below me," she shared, adding, "She was always on my mind, she was so close to me."
The Moment of Loss and a Heartbreaking Tribute
Hawn also recounted the poignant moment she learned of Keaton's death. She revealed she was in her backyard rose garden when she received the news. "I just looked down. She can't be gone. She just cannot be gone. No one like that should ever die," Hawn said, capturing the profound sense of loss felt by many.
The Hollywood legend's family confirmed she died from primary bacterial pneumonia. Her death certificate, obtained by the Daily Mail, indicated she had battled the condition for days prior to her passing on October 11. The document listed no other significant contributing conditions and noted that Keaton was cremated on October 14.
A Legacy of Laughter and Genius
Following Keaton's death, Hawn penned a lengthy and moving tribute on Instagram, accompanying a black-and-white photo of her friend. "Diane, we aren't ready to lose you," she wrote. "You've left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination."
She reflected on their time filming together, cherishing the mornings spent laughing over coffee in the makeup trailer. Hawn also touched on their shared dreams of growing old together, perhaps even living in a communal home with friends. "Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows… maybe in the next life," she mused.
Hawn's tribute concluded with a message to Keaton's two children, Dexter and Duke, whom Keaton adopted in her 50s. Keaton, who never married, was a fiercely private individual regarding her family life.
Diane Keaton's celebrated career spanned decades, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress for 1977's Annie Hall and nominations for films like Reds, Marvin's Room, and Something's Gotta Give. Her final major public appearance was at a birthday celebration for Jack Nicholson in April of this year.
