*

And I was thinking about the last time Steven and I saw her. It was at a nightclub in L.A. called Studio 1. Ms. Diller played to a small audience. Back then, most comedy nightclubs were not large. Her rare class and cutting edge comedy was hers alone and without equal - I think she was dressed as a twinkling duck! Phyllis Diller was a person who lived life to its outermost edges and enjoyed the ride, which is a lesson all of us can benefit from. For me that lesson is clearly to have the courage to view the path ahead, reach beyond the mundane, and embrace the love that reflects one's freedom from obsolete expectations.

As I tell my friends, remember, love’s life is one eternal day with one date, no tomorrow.

Love and be well to you and yours,

- Seán

So lovely! Barbra has been so loyal to people and fellow entertainers who were kind to her from the beginning....and even later in her career...or even those she just enjoyed working with or enjoyed their works...Someone had read me a piece of what they thought had been her tribute to Phyllis...when I heard it, I said there HAS to be more...and indeed when I came her to read...I saw it was actually much longer and Barbra actually took the time to honor someone to who took a great interest in her very early...and was good to her....even bought her a black dress to perform in and go on audtions with (apparently from what I've heard, Barbra never wore it, but it was the point that Phyllis took the time to buy it for her and was looking over her to protect her and give her guidance in a tough industry)....Absolutely lovely of Barbra to remember her this way..with such kind words....

I've read that you and Phyllis worked together in the past. I am sorry for your loss of another friend. Phyllis could always make me laugh. Laughter is good for the soul.

So sad about Phyllis Diller. I watch the clips from Barbra's first TV show on the Tonight show often. And there's Phyllis, being funny and supporting Barbra. She was SUCH a funny lady, remembered by so many of us who laughed with her. Sorry to hear of your loss of yet another friend, Barbra.

Hello Gorgeous!!
AUGUST 19, 2012, 6:15 pm
Dear Mrs. Streisand,

My name is Elayna Hatchell and I am 17 year old. I know you may be too busy to read this or to even reply but I really wanted to tell you how much you inspire me. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. I could not get over the fact that I could not move as well as others and I felt out of place. I felt different and alone. I cried a lot but everytime I was down I would listen to you sing or watch one of your films. You made me happier and made me realize that its okay to be different and I am not alone and there are happy times even in the bad times. I honestly can say that I admire you and you are my role model. Your poise, elegance, style, and your voice all are qualities I admire. I am a singer a well so singing to your ongs make me much happier. I always wondered why it had to be me but I finally realized why. I am going to med school to become a Pediatric Rheumatologist so I can help kids with the same disease. I feel I will be able to connect with them on a more personal level that way. And when they get down I will tell them to listen to your music because every ingle word is a message to never lose faith or hope. Thank you so much for helping me and for just being you and doing all that you do. - Elayna Hatchell
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P.S. I am very sorry about the loss of a dear friend of yours as this article states

Barbra,

Again, so sorry to hear of the passing of your great friend Phyllis Diller. From the books that I have read and all that I think I know about you, I understand that she played a huge part in your beginning years in the night clubs that you played. Do you still have the dress that she bought you, and were you ever in contact with her after those beginning years? I know that this has been a difficult summer for you with all the friends that have left you, Again, I am so sorry for yet another loss, I too, loved Phyllis Diller, no one made me laugh harder and longer, she was a true talent and i'm sure a very lovely person.

Very truly yours,

John T. Borek