Famous Last Words from Iconic People Throughout History
Death has always been a part of life and with it, sometimes people will utter their final words as a way to reflect on their life. Here, we’ll explore some of the most famous last words from some of the world’s most iconic people throughout history.
Cleopatra
Cleopatra, the renowned leader and the last Pharaoh of Egypt, died in 30 BC. Allegedly, her last words were that her fate had been written.
“I will not be led in a triumph”
Julius Caesar
When Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, some of his last words were said to have been:
“Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar.”
Mahatma Gandhi
The last words uttered by the great leader and father of the nation of India, Mahatma Gandhi, have been a source of debates. What most people believe he said was ‘Hey, Ram’ which means ‘Oh, God’.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a renowned humanitarian and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity. Her last words were “I can’t sleep”.
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was a renowned British politician who was a part of the Allied forces during World War II. His last words were “I’m bored with it all”.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States of America and was assassinated in 1963. His final words were, “No, you certainly can’t”.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and served from 1933 to 1945, until his death. Some people report that his last words were “I have a terrific headache”.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader, who famously delivered the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Reportedly, his last words were “I’m not afraid. I’ve been to the mountaintop”.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, the iconic scientist and Nobel Prize winner, died in 1955. Allegedly, his last words were “I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially”.
Abraham Lincoln
The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was famously assassinated in 1865. Some people claim his last words were “It is lights out”.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana, the beloved royal family member, was tragically killed in a car accident in 1997. Reportedly, her last words were “Oh God, what’s happened?”
Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, was a reputed children’s author and cartoonist. His last words were said to be “Oh, to hell with it”.
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, the great king and ruler of the Macedonian Empire, died in 323 BC. His last words are said to have been “Let my kingdom go”.
Celebrated Literary Figures
Many of the world’s great celebrated literary figures have also spoken their final words. Here are some of the most famous:
John Milton
John Milton was an English poet and wrote the poem ‘Paradise Lost’. His last words were “What Do I Care For Life?”
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright and poet, is believed to have said “My horned Elson knows no bounds” before he died in 1616.
Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the English writer and Nobel Prize winner, said his last words were “Bury my heart at Wounded Knee” before his death in 1936.
John Keats
John Keats, one of the most renowned British poets, passed away in 1821. His last known words were “I shall die. I have not had a spasm for five days”.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens, the English novelist, uttered his last words which were “What a strum and Such a clamor. Good Night” before his death in 1870.
Famous Political and Military Figures
Tyrants, radicals and revolutionaries, as well as military leaders, from past and present have had a range of famous last words. Here are some of the most iconic ones:
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader, spoke his last words “France, the army, the head of the army, Josephine” before his death in 1821.
Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I, the Queen of England, uttered her last words “All my possessions for a moment of time” before she passed away in 1603.
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer and one of the first European settlers in the Americas, is believed to have said his last words “Into thy hands, O Lord, I commit my spirit” before he died in 1506.
Augusto Pinochet
Augusto Pinochet, the Chilean Dictator, reportedly spoke his last words “I don’t fear your justice because I know I didn’t commit any crime” before his death in 2006.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States and served from 1953 to 1961. His last words were “I’ve always loved my country; I want to go where I shall love it even more”.
Famous Singers, Musicians and Celebrities
Throughout history, music and the media have both have produced some of the world’s most popular celebrities. And, with fame, come fame last words:
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, passed away in 1977. Reportedly his last words were “I’m going to the bathroom to read”.
John Wayne
John Wayne, the Hollywood actor and star of many westerns, had two reported final statements before his death in 1979. The first was “Of course I know who you are. You’re my girl. I love you” and the second was “Feels like I’m shot all over”.
John Lennon
John Lennon, one of the members of the famous band, The Beatles, was killed in 1980. Reportedly, his last known words were “I’m shot”.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, the legendary pop star, died in 2009. Reportedly, his last words were “Why don’t you just leave me alone?”
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain, the renowned lead singer and guitarist of the band, Nirvana, died in 1994. Reportedly, his last words were “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”.
From leaders and revolutionaries to celebrities and iconic personalities, there are many famous last words from some of the world’s most renowned people throughout history. These words give us an insight into the lives of these great people and how their lives and legacies will live on forever.
