Molly Shannon Shares Heartfelt Text Exchange With the Late Diane Keaton
Molly Shannon has honored Diane Keaton by sharing a meaningful exchange she once had with the departed star.
“@diane_keaton Truly unique, an icon, and an immense inspiration. She was incredibly supportive of ALL women,” the 61-year-old Shannon posted on Instagram this past Monday, October 13. “Her nature was precisely this — exceptionally gracious toward her fellow female artists. I absorbed every interview she ever gave and zealously consumed all her publications. She was so BRILLIANT, witty, and profound. Deep. I admired her profound affection for TURTLENECKS!!”
Keaton passed away in California at 79 years old, as confirmed by a family representative to People on Saturday, October 11. The specific reason for her death remains undisclosed.
Nevertheless, an acquaintance of Keaton's informed People that the health of the Annie Hall icon “deteriorated quite rapidly” during her final months, coinciding with her retreat from public engagements.
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As part of her homage to Keaton, Shannon recounted a personal text message exchange she shared with the actress in November 2022.
“No need to reply. However, I recently conducted a Zoom interview with Steve Martin about his upcoming graphic novel for independent bookstores, presented to a large online audience,” Shannon communicated to the Academy Award laureate. “I inquired about his experience collaborating with you, and he stated you made his heart race and essentially conveyed that everyone felt similarly, captivated by your every word. … I simply wished to inform you. He was just extolling your virtues to everyone!”
Keaton subsequently responded to the text, accepting the praise while also offering a compliment of her own.
“That is TRULY LOVELY!!!” Keaton responded. “It's more about how incredible YOU ARE! Exceptionally funny and gifted. My sincere thanks for this message. You are a true luminary.”
Shannon additionally dedicated part of her recent update to highlight an excerpt from Keaton’s book that deeply connected with her — on multiple levels.
Within Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty, published in 2014, Keaton explored themes of aesthetics, the process of aging, and the significance of personal authenticity.
Shannon cited a brief passage from the book that deeply affected the former Saturday Night Live cast member.
“I truly believe life is miraculous. Presently, I am certain of one truth: I understand nothing. I would presume that some of my companions would share this sentiment. At the very least, I am quite confident they would agree that existence is considerably more unfathomable than we ever conceived,” Keaton penned in her book. “The majority of us beyond 60 years of age have reached a stage where we acknowledge that our achievements hold minimal consequence in the vast expanse of the universe.”
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Keaton went on, “I suppose I must confess that I am readying myself for life's ultimate, unfathomable conclusion. I question whether I possess sufficient bravery to gaze into the vast, mysterious unknown. I am unsure if I will commit courageous errors, depart in a magnificent crescendo undeterred by my setbacks, challenge apathy, and decline to confront the unknown as the timid person I perceive myself to be, but I earnestly hope I will.”
During her last years, Keaton — who is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke, whom she welcomed into her family in her 50s — embraced various fresh endeavors, such as launching an eyewear range, collaborating with Hudson Grace on a home decor line, and unveiling her inaugural holiday track.
“I am uncertain of what lies ahead for me. Perhaps nothing will present itself,” she conveyed to Us in September 2022 concerning her professional path. “I have been incredibly fortunate, and therefore, I simply wish not to dismiss any opportunity without first exploring its potential.”
