Jane Fonda Reacts to the Passing of Her Longtime Friend Robert Redford
On September 16, 2025, the legendary American actor Robert Redford passed away at the age of 89. Among those most deeply affected by his death is Jane Fonda, his friend and collaborator for more than six decades.
1. What Jane Fonda Said
In a statement to various media outlets, Jane Fonda shared her grief:
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way.”
She added:
“He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
2. Robert Redford — His Life and Bond with Jane Fonda
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Born in 1936, Robert Redford became an icon not just for his acting but also for directing and producing, making enduring contributions to both film artistry and progressive causes.
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He starred in classic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Out of Africa (1985), among many others, some of which Jane Fonda was also involved in.
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Fonda and Redford first worked together in Tall Story (1960), then The Chase (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967), The Electric Horseman (1979), and most recently Our Souls at Night (2017).
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In interviews, Fonda has revealed that she had moments of having romantic feelings for Redford: “I was in love with him.” However, since both were married at various times, nothing romantic developed beyond friendship.
3. His Death and Circumstances
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Robert Redford died on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his home in the mountains near Provo, Utah — at “Sundance,” a place he loved and where he was surrounded by loved ones.
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The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
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He is survived by his wife, his two daughters Shauna and Amy, and grandchildren.
4. His Influence and Legacy
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Robert Redford was more than just a movie star; he was a symbol of classic Hollywood, artistic integrity, environmental activism, and progressive values.
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His friendship with Jane Fonda, which spanned decades, is remembered as one of the warmest and most enduring in show business. They were collaborators, confidants, and shared beliefs in art, politics, and society.
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Fonda’s words that Redford “stood for an America we have to keep fighting for” speak to how he was seen—not just as an actor, but as someone whose life represented ideals many believe are worth defending.
5. Reactions from Peers, Family, Public
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Jane Fonda has expressed perhaps the strongest public emotion — she is visibly grieving, sharing her sorrow, reflecting on their long friendship.
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Colleagues, media, fans are all offering condolences, sharing stories, quotes, and images of Redford and of his work.
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The legacy continues to resonate: through his films, through what he stood for, and through the real human friendships he cultivated — like the one with Jane Fonda.