Helen Reddy, the Grammy-winning Australian singer who became a feminist icon thanks to her hit “I Am Woman,” has died. She was 78.
The message from Reddy’s daughter Traci and son Jordan read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen Reddy, on the afternoon of September 29th 2020 in Los Angeles. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and a truly formidable woman. Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever.”
Reddy’s ex-husband, Jeff Wald, also confirmed Reddy’s death in a message posted to Twitter. “I am v sad to announce that my first wife of 18 years and the mother of my two oldest Traci & Jordan,” he wrote. “Traci spent the morning with Helen and she passed soon after under the excellent care of the Motion & Television Home.#Helen Reddy.”
In the ’60s, Reddy, divorced with a young child, moved to New York City from Australia. She first reached the U.S. top 20 with her take on “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar. Her debut album, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” featured a song she’d co-written, “I Am Woman,” which reflected Reddy’s interest in the feminist movement and female empowerment. Re-released in 1972, it became a No. 1 hit and an anthem for the movement.
Reddy was the first Australian-born artist to have a U.S. No. 1 hit and the first to win a Grammy.
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