Bette Midler Reflects on Aging and Diane Keaton’s Loss Ahead of Her 80th Birthday

Bette Midler took the stage at the 30th annual Hulaween gala on October 24, 2025, to reflect on her upcoming 80th birthday and pay tribute to her late First Wives Club co-star Diane Keaton. The event, held in support of the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), which Midler founded in 1995, was both celebratory and poignant. Accepting the Catalyst Award, Midler delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech, acknowledging her age and the recent loss of a dear friend.

“I’m no longer a spring chicken,” Midler quipped, adding, “I’m an endangered chicken at this point.”

Bette Midler addressed her upcoming 80th birthday and the passing of Diane Keaton during the Hulaween gala on October 24, 2025, in New York City. The gala benefits the New York Restoration Project, which Midler founded to expand green space access in underserved communities. Her remarks were part of her Catalyst Award acceptance speech, where she reflected on aging, legacy, and friendship.

Gala Highlights and Personal Reflections

• Midler, 79, turns 80 in December 2025
• The Hulaween gala marked its 30th anniversary
• She honored NYRP co-founders and early contributors
• Midler remembered Diane Keaton, who died October 11, 2025, at age 79
• She described Keaton as “brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary” in a tribute post

Midler’s speech blended humor and sincerity, resonating with attendees and fans alike.

Quotes and Reactions

From her speech:

“You don’t remember what you ate yesterday, but you remember what it felt like to dig in a filthy park.”

On Diane Keaton, via Instagram:

“She was hilarious, a complete original… What you saw was who she was.”

NYRP board member Joe Pupello was also honored in her remarks:

“He was the first person to say to me: ‘Clean, green open space is a right, not a privilege.’”

Legacy, Loss, and Public Sentiment

Midler’s reflections underscore her enduring influence as both an entertainer and activist. Her candid acknowledgment of aging and tribute to Keaton struck a chord with fans mourning the loss of a Hollywood icon. The gala also highlighted Midler’s decades-long commitment to environmental justice, reinforcing her legacy beyond the stage and screen.

Her remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of community, memory, and purpose at every stage of life.

What’s Next: Milestone Birthday and Future Appearances

• Midler turns 80 in December 2025
• A retrospective celebration or special appearance is expected
• NYRP plans to expand its urban greening initiatives in 2026
• No new film or stage projects have been announced, but tributes are likely

Fans can anticipate more public honors as Midler reaches this milestone.