From Elvis Presley to Paul Walker, these Hollywood stars have all tragically passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy. Here's a list of the last words these celebrities ever spoke.
Whitney Houston
"I'm gonna go see Jesus, want to see Jesus."
The last time that Whitney Houston ever performed was on November 9th, 2012, in Hollywood. The renowned singer got up on stage with fellow singer, Kelly Price, to perform the song Jesus Loves Me.
Two days after the show, Houston was tragically found unconscious in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Later on, police reported that there were "No obvious signs of criminal intent." Based on the people she was with beforehand, her final words were, "I'm gonna go see Jesus, want to see Jesus."
Elvis Presley
"Okay, I won't"
The last thing that Elvis Presley ever said was, "Okay, I won't," as reported by his then-fiancé, Ginger Alden. She explained that that was his response to her telling him, "Don't fall asleep in there," as he was going to read a book in the restroom.
Unfortuenly, when Alden went to go see if he was okay, she found the iconic singer laying unconscious on the floor. "Elvis looked as if his entire body had completely frozen in a seated position and then had fallen forward, in that fixed position," she recalled about the sad incident.
Salome Bey
"I eventually realized that, in court, you might be able to help one or two people at a time. Going into an auditorium to sing, you can reach a room full of people."
Salome Bey was given the title of Canada's, "First Lady of The Blues," since she had changed the industry for the better, for women who sang blues. Bey arguably left an impression on the world with her talented vocal range. But sadly, she developed dementia in her early 60s.
Yet when the singer was nearing her final days, her memory was strong enough for her to remember a conversation she once had with her dad. He had hoped that Bey would become a lawyer, but she was adamant about being a singer. Her last words were, "Going into an auditorium to sing, you can reach a room full of people."
Vince Lombardi
"Happy anniversary, I love you."
Vince Lombardi has been referred to by many sports fans to be one of the greatest coaches ever in football history. He was arguably best known for being a top NFL drill instructor. Yet, he still told Father Tim that he felt like he could have done more in his lifetime, but that he was not scared to pass away.
Lombardi tragically passed away on the day of his anniversary with his wife, Marie. His final words that the coach ever spoke were directed towards his loved one, "Happy anniversary, I love you," he told his significant other as she sat next to him during his final moments.
Michael Jackson
"More Milk."
When legendary singer, Michael Jackson suddenly passed away on June 25th, 2009, the world was stunned by the news. According to the people that were with him during his final hours, the last words the Billie Jean artist ever spoke were, "More Milk."
It has been said that "milk" was the nickname Jackson had given to medication anesthetic. Following the request, Dr. Conrad Murray made sure the artist felt comfortable and then told him to head home. Sadly, Jackson was found later that day in his LA home, where he had suffered fatal cardiac arrest. His legacy persists.
Bob Marley
"Money can't buy life."
The notorious reggae king, Bob Marley, spent much of his life committed to promoting positive messages about peace, love, and freedom. He had fans all over the world for his wisdom and his music, especially in his home country, Jamaica. But sadly, Marley was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36.
On the day the artist passed away, he was with his son Ziggy. He shared the last conversation the two of them had and revealed that Marley's final words were, "Money can't buy life." A few days after the sad news broke, the Jamaican government made the day he passed away a national holiday.
Kobe Bryant
"Learn to love the hate. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it. Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones."
Basketball legend, Kobe Byrant, sadly left this world too soon. His unexpected and sudden passing sent shockwaves throughout the world. On January 26, 2020, Byrant and his daughter, Gianna, were in a tragic helicopter accident that took both their lives.
His final words have been reported as being, "Learn to love the hate. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it. Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones." And Byrant was no doubt a great one. He was even posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. His legacy lives on.
David Bowie
"Music has been my doorway of perception and the house that I live in."
David Bowie was undoubtedly an influential figure in the rock and roll industry. But sadly, the world lost the talented singer to liver cancer. As reported by Bowie's life-long friend, Gary Oldman, the artist's final words were, "Music has been my doorway of perception and the house that I live in."
Even during his final moments, he was thinking about music. Tony Visconti from Rolling Stone explained that Bowie, "always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way, and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of art."
Malcolm X
"Now, now, brothers, break it up… be cool, be calm."
On February 21st, 1965, Malcolm X entered the Audubon Ballroom on 166th Street and Broadway. Little did he know it would be the last place he ever went into. Because three assassins tragically took the activist's life that day. And yet, even during his last moments, Malcolm was advocating peace.
When the audience began an uproar, the freedom fighter attempted to relieve the chaos, as reported by eyewitnesses. Apparently, the last thing he told the crowd was, "Now, now, brothers, break it up… be cool, be calm." A few moments later, he was sadly assassinated. His achievements will always be remembered.
John Lennon
"I'm shot."
The world was shaken up when news broke that John Lennon had unfortunately passed away. The former Beatles singer was taking an evening walk with Yoko Ono one December night in 1980, when his life was taken away. To this day, it's still not certain what his final words were.
While there are some bystanders who claim that Lennon's last words were "I'm shot," others think differently. They believe they heard the singer mumble a simple, "yeah." Yet, according to Ono, he actually didn't say anything during the tragic assault.
Muhammad Ali
"I'm in no pain. No pain. Don't cry for me, Rahaman. I'm going to be with Allah. I made peace with God, I’m okay…Rahaman, how do I look?"
The boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for nearly 32 years of his eventful life before he sadly passed away in June of 2016. The loss of the boxing champion was felt by his many devoted fans and, of course, his family.
Ali's brother, Rahaman, recollected the last thing his famous sibling told him before passing away. "Shaking, he said, 'Rahaman, how do I look?'" he recalled. "He said to me, 'I'm in no pain. No pain… Don't cry for me, Rahaman. I'm going to be with Allah god. I made peace with God. I'm OK.'"
George Harrison
"Everything else can wait, but the search for God cannot... love one another."
In 2001, fans of the Beatles were heartbroken to learn that yet another member, George Harrison, had passed away. His death was another major loss for the music industry. Unfortunately, his life was taken at the age of 58, after he had battled lung cancer.
According to the late artist's wife, Olivia Harrison, his final spoken words were, "Everything else can wait, but the search for God cannot... love one another." From his incredible songs to his last words, Harrisons' beloved legacy will forever live on.
Jimi Hendrix
"The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye. The story of love is hello and goodbye, until we meet again."
On September 18, 1970, legendary musician Jimi Hendrix was tragically taken from the world after he abused illegal substances. The 27-year olds passing had a big impact on the music industry and led to many questions about what had happened that night.
There was one thing that was certain about that evening: what Hendrix's final thoughts were. His then-girlfriend Monika Danneman discovered a perplexing poem next to the artist's bed. It read, "the story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye... The story of love is hello and goodbye, until we meet again..."
Marvin Gaye Jr.
"Mother, I'm going to get my things and get out of this house. Father hates me and I'm never coming back."
Marvin Gaye Jr. was arguably best known for his passionate love song, from How Sweet Is It to Let's Get It On. There's no doubt he had an impact on the music business. Sad to say that the Motown singer's life wasn't as serene as his songs. Gaye tragically passed away following an intense argument with his dad.
"Marvin told me, 'Mother, I'm going to get my things and get out of this house. Father hates me, and I'm never coming back," recalled his mourning mother, Alberta, about what took place moments before her son sadly died. He will forever be remembered.
Babe Ruth
"I'm going over the valley."
Babe Ruth was probably most recognized for his baseball skills. The MLB megastar was constantly beating world records in the world of sports. And when he wasn't busy doing that, Ruth was sadly battling a fight with throat cancer. The illness, unfortunately, took his life on August 16th, 1948.
The 53-year old's passing was a major loss of the sporting industry, he was truly a legend. Yet even during his final moments of life, the Bambino continued keeping his head up. Based on the doctors who were there, Ruth's final words were, "I'm going over the valley," as he tried to climb out of his hospital bed.
Paul Walker
"Let's go for a drive. We will be back in five minutes."
On November 13, 2013, Paul Walker tragically passed away doing the thing he adored most - driving. The Fast and Furious star supposedly said, "Hey, let's go for a drive," to his friend Roger Rodas. Sadly, the actor then suffered a catastrophic car accident, where his Porshe Carrera GT clipped a lamp and blew up in flames.
His friend, Jim Thorp, spoke about Walker's life. "He lived his life, and he died fast and furious," he said, "He loved speed, he loved cars, and he had to die this way." Thanks to his philanthropy and his impact on the entertainment world, it's without a doubt that the legendary actor's memory will persist.
Heavy D
"Be inspired."
Not only did Heavy D inspire hundreds of people with his words during his time alive, but even his last thoughts left a lasting impression. In 2011, before his death, the rapper posted a tweet that said, "BE INSPIRED!" Not long after, the 44-year old tragically suffered an unexpected heart attack.
Even a few days before he took his last breath, Heavy D was sharing meaningful words on his social media accounts. "Never stop believing... Every original idea was considered insanity at first," he declared. How could we not listen to his motivating advice? He will be missed.
Huddie 'Leadbelly' Ledbetter
"Doctor, if I put this here guitar down now, I ain't never gonna wake up."
Huddie 'Leadbelly' Ledbetter was playing music even up until his very last breath. The blues guitarist explained to the hospital staff, "Doctor, if I put this here guitar down now, I ain't never gonna wake up." As it turned out, he wasn't lying, because those were the last words he ever said.
He had suffered Lou Gehrig's disease, and after a strenuous battle, the musician passed away in 1949. Ledbetter was a major influence on the Blues community, so the news of his death shocked many people worldwide. To this day, he is recognized as one of the most legendary folk musicians of the 20th century.
Gary Coleman
"I love you and my head hurts."
Probably best known for his witty one-liners, Gary Coleman made an impression both on and off the screen. The Diff'rent Strokes star played a major role in the series as the adopted son of the rich New York family. Many fans of the show watched Coleman grow up, so it was heartbreaking to find out he had passed away.
But what many might have not known was that Coleman was dealing with various health issues. Unfortunately, on May 28th, 2010, the actor had an unforeseen brain hemorrhage. According to his ex-wife, Shannon Price, "He said, 'I love you, and my head hurts,'" were the 42-year-olds final words.
James Brown
"I'm going away tonight."
Unfortuenly for James' Brown family, they spent 2006 Christmas day finding out that their beloved family member had sadly passed away. The "Godfather of Soul" suffered from congestive heart failure that was related to pneumonia. Yet despite the sickness, the musician felt good in his final moments of life.
"He didn't believe in telling you he didn't feel good because his thing was, 'I feel good - doo dah doo dah doo dah doo,'" Brown's former personal manager, Charles Bobbit recalled. The musician knew that his time was coming to an end, "He told me... 'I'm going away tonight,'" explained Bobbit.
Joe DiMaggio
"I finally get to see Marilyn again."
Up until his final moments alive, in 1999, Joe DiMaggio had the love of his life, Marilyn Monroe, on his mind. As it turned out, DiMaggio's lawyer, Morris Engelberg, explained how the baseball player had never completely stopped loving his late former wife.
According to Engelberg, as DiMaggio was taking his last breaths, he whispered, "I'll finally get to see Marilyn again." He has said the same things previously, "We were sitting together in the patio one night, talking about his illness, and he said, 'I don't feel bad about dying. At least, I'll be with Marilyn,'" Engelberg recalled.
Prince
"OK, I'll call you soon."
On April 21st, 2016, the iconic musician, Prince, sadly passed away in his home in Paisley Park. Just a few days prior, the artist guaranteed his layer. L. Londell McMillan that he was doing well and there was nothing to worry about. "He said he was doing perfect… he said, 'OK, I'll call you soon,'" McMillan recalled.
His loss sent shockwaves throughout the world. The 57-year old was taken too early, but Prince's legacy in both the music world and out will forever be remembered. "Prince had an amazing life. He enjoyed life," McMillan revealed, "He had a lot of fun."
Amy Winehouse
"I don't want to die."
After struggling for many years with substance abuse, the soul/R&B artist tragically passed away at the age of 27-years old. Her time as an artist influenced hundreds of other musicians because she never let people stand in her way. Her general practitioner explained that she was, "someone who wanted to do things her own way."
Winehouse sadly took her final breaths in her Camden home in the summer of 2011. A few short hours beforehand, the singer had called her general practitioner to share her haunting thoughts. "I don't want to die," she said. Her legacy will not be forgotten.
Barry White
"Leave me alone. I'm fine."
Barry White's soulful and captivating tracks led to him receiving a ton of fame. He even became known as "The Doctor of Love," thanks to his suggestive songs. The Can't Get Enough of Your Love artist eventually went on to win 2 Grammy Awards in his life before tragically passing away.
After spending nearly 40 years in the music industry, White's career came to an unexpected end in 2003. The 58-year old had suffered a stroke and was taken to a hospital. Moments before passing, the legendary Hollywood singer mumbled to his nurse, "leave me alone, I'm fine."
Frida Kahlo
"I hope this exit is joyful and I hope never to return."
Frida Kahlo came from a modest background, but by the end of her life, she was arguably one of the most influential people in the world. The painter truly left her mark in the world. Yet still, even up until her last moments in life, she remained humble.
"I hope this exit is joyful, and I hope never to return," was the last thing Kahlo wrote in her personal diary. During her time alive, the feminist icon was a pioneer for women and other struggling individuals in search of their voice. Her passing in 1954 was a sad goodbye to many, but her impact will not be forgotten.
Kurt Cobain
"It's better to burn out than to fade away."
The lead singer of the notorious rock band Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, left the world astonished after he tragically passed away on April 5th, 1994. The musician lived a significant life in the public eye. But what happened during the final moments leading up to his death still remains a mystery.
Before unfortunately taking his own life, Cobain wrote a goodbye letter, where he wrote a line from the Neil Young song Hey Hey, My My, "It's better to burn out than to fade away." Fans weren't the only ones left stunned by the news of the rockstars death. Young admitted that the whole thing, "struck a deep chord inside of me."
John Lewis
"Walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide."
The politician and civil rights activist was providing us with inspirational words even after he had passed away. John Lewis had requested that a speech he had written be read during his funeral that took place after he sadly passed on July 17th, 2020.
"While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life, you inspired me," his speech started off, "So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers, and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide."
Steve Jobs
"Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow."
After Apple innovate Steve Jobs tragically died on October 5th, 2011, many took to social media to start a debate about his passing. The tech mogul's sister revealed that his final word was, "Monosyllables, repeated three times… Steve's final words were, 'OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW."
That indistinct final saying left many coming up with their own versions of what it could have meant. Despite the misunderstanding, Job's career has influenced the lives of thousands of people a day. His creations have proved that anything one puts their mind to is achievable.
Tupac Shakur
"F*** you."
The tragic night that Tupac Shakur left us continues to be a heartbreak in the hip-hop community. After the rapper was sadly attacked in his black MBW 750Li, he suffered from harsh wounds that eventually led to his devastating death. Despite the commotion, the 25-year old managed to express his anger.
Based on reports from Chris Carroll, the police officer who was on the scene that September night, Shakur's last words were straightforward, "He looked at me, and he took a breath to get the words out, and he opened his mouth, and I thought I was actually going to get some cooperation. And then the words came out: 'F*** you.'"
Little Richard
"I am the architect of rock 'n' roll! I am the originator!"
Little Richard, whose given name was Richard Wayne Penniman, was an iconic musician who sadly left the world on May 8th, 2020. The last thing that ever left the rock and roll blues artist's mouth was about the impact his songs left on the music industry.
The Keep a Knockin artist said he was, "the architect of rock 'n' roll." Let's just say he wasn't wrong. Numerous other musical icons have declared Little Richard to be a large influence on their own careers. What a legend! He will never be forgotten.