Bette Midler Honors “Extraordinary” Costar Diane Keaton After Death

For Bette Midler, Diane Keaton will always be a friend first.

Following the passing of Michael Keaton at 79, actress Goldie Hawn, known for her role in *First Wives Club*, posted a touching remembrance of her former colleague.

Bette Midler shared the news on Instagram on October 11th that Diane Keaton had passed away. Midler expressed deep sadness, describing Keaton as incredibly funny, unique, and genuinely kind, noting she lacked the typical competitive spirit often seen in famous actresses.

The 79-year-old added, “What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!”

Bette Midler and Diane Keaton are well-known for starring with Goldie Hawn in the 1996 film *First Wives Club*, a story about the friendship between three women who have gone through divorce. At an awards ceremony where the three actresses received a Women in Film Crystal Award for their work in the movie, Midler described Keaton as a “dear friend.”

When accepting the award, she jokingly said she didn’t think they were being honored for the quality of *First Wives Club*, but because people were excited to see actresses their age still capable of creating a hugely successful film, just like their male counterparts.

Bette Midler recently hoped to star in a new comedy called *Family Jewels* with Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn, who is 79. However, she revealed in 2024 that the movie is currently stalled and unlikely to be made.

As a huge Bette Midler fan, I always listen when she talks! She recently said something that really resonated with me – she believes amazing scripts just vanish into development hell. She joked to *People* that if a project’s been floating around for fifteen years, it’s probably time to give up on it. Fifteen years, she thinks, is the point where even the best ideas just…die. It’s a sad thought, but I totally get it!

Keaton passed away in California, her rep confirmed to the outlet on Oct. 11.

We don’t have any more information to share right now,” the spokesperson said. “The family has asked for privacy as they grieve.

For a look back at Keaton’s life in photos, read on.