Kimberly Williams-Paisley is remembering Gloria Steinem and her lasting impact.
The Hallmark star shared a sweet photo of herself with Steinem on social media, along with a heartfelt message honoring her as a journalist, author, and social activist. Williams-Paisley made it clear just how much Steinem’s influence meant to her as she looked back on the woman who inspired generations.
The “Father of the Bride” actress and her husband, country music superstar Brad Paisley, have also used their platforms to support causes close to their hearts.
Williams-Paisley Fondly Remembers the Time She Met Steinem
Williams-Paisley began her tribute with a quote from Steinem. “‘Empathy is the most radical of human emotions,'” she shared in the caption of her Sept. 3 Instagram post.
She went on to thank Steinem “for all the ways, subtle and not, that you helped so many women create the lives they want.”
“Rest in peace and love. 🕊️❤️🙏🏻,” Williams-Paisley concluded.
Fans in the comments joined in by writing their own tributes to Steinem’s memory:
“She had a tremendous part in changing the world for women. RIP ❤️.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. May her memory always be a blessing. ❤️.”
“Loved her. She was a huge influence on my life.”
“She was a force and made a difference in so many women’s lives. What a beautiful picture of the both of you.”
Williams-Paisley also credited the independent bookstore Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee for giving her the opportunity to meet the activist back in Nov. 2019 when Steinem was speaking at a special event.
“Try to talk as much as you listen, she told us last night. And listen as much as you talk,” Williams-Paisley wrote in the caption of her Nov. 2, 2019 Facebook post. “[Steinem] encouraged us to find democracy in our own homes. At 85 years-old, this icon said she is very hopeful for women because she knows how far we’ve come. I love hearing messages like these from people experienced enough to know.”
Williams-Paisley Has Made Advocacy Work a Major Part of Her Life Off-Screen
GettyWilliams-Paisley has long been passionate about giving back, supporting a number of charitable organizations and causes over the years. Her philanthropic work has included involvement in Feeding America, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Meals on Wheels, Save the Children, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Alzheimer’s Association, among many others.
Williams-Paisley founded the Dance Party to End ALZ in 2017 to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s research in memory of her mother, Linda Williams, who suffered from a rare form of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease for 11 years before passing away in 2016.
This commitment to service is something she shares with her husband. Together, the couple co-founded The Store, a non-profit grocery store in Nashville that allows people experiencing food insecurity to shop for groceries at no cost. The idea was inspired by the couple’s experience volunteering at Unity Shoppe, a free supermarket in California, with their children, according to The Store’s official website. Williams-Paisley has spoken about the importance of teaching their children the value of service and giving back to their community.
“We’ve got to get them into service and get them out of their bubble, and help them understand that there are hungry people in the world,” Williams-Paisley shared, per The Store’s official website.
