12 Famous Eulogies

Eulogies are more than words—they’re the stories we tell to honor a life and the legacy someone leaves behind. They capture the essence of who a person was, what they stood for, and how they’ll be remembered. From heartfelt tributes to poetic reflections, these famous eulogies show us the incredible power of a well-chosen message. They’re a reminder that a life well-lived inspires words that live on.

1. Princess Diana

1961–1997
Eulogized by: Earl Charles Spencer (her brother)
“She proved in the last year that she needed no royal title to continue to generate her particular brand of magic. … We will all feel cheated that you were taken from us so young, and yet we must learn to be grateful that you came along at all.”
Earl Spencer’s eulogy was a touching tribute that acknowledged Diana’s warmth, humanity, and ability to connect with people around the world.

2. Steve Jobs

1955–2011
Eulogized by: Mona Simpson (his sister)
“Even as a feminist, my whole life, I’d been waiting for a man to love, who could love me. For decades, I’d thought that man would be my father. When I met Steve, I felt that it was him. … He was the best brother in the world.”
Mona Simpson’s heartfelt eulogy humanized the tech visionary, painting him as a loving brother, father, and dreamer.

3. Martin Luther King Jr.

1929–1968
Eulogized by: Dr. Benjamin Mays (his mentor and friend)
“If any man knew the meaning of suffering, King knew. House bombed, living day by day for 13 years under constant threats of death, maliciously accused of being a communist, falsely accused of being insincere … he never became bitter.”
Dr. Mays celebrated MLK’s commitment to nonviolence and justice, offering a reminder of the cost of leadership in the fight for civil rights.

4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

1933–2020
Eulogized by: Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt
“This was Justice Ginsburg’s life’s work: to insist that the Constitution deliver on its promise that ‘We the People’ would include all the people. She carried the burden of equality, and she built the foundation for others to carry on.”
Rabbi Holtzblatt’s eulogy honored Ginsburg’s unyielding fight for justice and equality, making her legacy both deeply personal and profoundly national.

5. John F. Kennedy

1917–1963
Eulogized by: Ted Kennedy (his brother)
“My brother need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it.”
Ted Kennedy’s eulogy beautifully reflected the character of JFK and his relentless dedication to the betterment of humanity.

6. Robin Williams

1951–2014
Eulogized by: Billy Crystal (comedian and close friend)
“As genius as he was on stage, he was the greatest friend you could ever imagine—supportive, protective, loving. It’s very hard to talk about him in the past because he was so present in all of our lives.”
Billy Crystal’s tribute captured the humor, heart, and depth of the beloved actor and comedian.

7. Nelson Mandela

1918–2013
Eulogized by: Barack Obama (former U.S. President)
“It took a man like Madiba to free not just the prisoner, but the jailer as well. To show that you must trust others so that they may trust you. … He changed laws, but he also changed hearts.”
Obama’s words honored Mandela’s incredible legacy of forgiveness, resilience, and transformative leadership.

8. Maya Angelou

1928–2014
Eulogized by: Michelle Obama (former First Lady)
“She told us that our worth has nothing to do with what the world might say. Instead, she said, ‘Each of us comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory.’”
Michelle Obama’s eulogy highlighted Angelou’s unmatched wisdom and enduring influence as a poet, teacher, and voice for justice.

9. George H.W. Bush

1924–2018
Eulogized by: George W. Bush (his son)
“In his inaugural address, the 41st President of the United States said this: ‘We cannot hope only to leave our children a bigger car, a bigger bank account. We must hope to give them a sense of what it means to be a loyal friend, a loving parent, a citizen who leaves his home, his neighborhood, and town better than he found it.’”
George W. Bush’s eulogy for his father was a moving tribute to a life defined by service, humility, and love.

10. Coretta Scott King

1927–2006
Eulogized by: Maya Angelou
“She bore the burdens of life with nobility and grace. And then there was love. She gave it generously, as naturally as a bird sings. She shared her courage with us all.”
Maya Angelou’s eulogy for Coretta Scott King was a poetic and stirring reminder of the quiet strength behind monumental change.

11. Kurt Vonnegut

1922–2007
Eulogized by: His son, Mark Vonnegut
“When I was young, he was a magical protector who told me how to live, who gave me a code of conduct and a sense of humor to live by. And now I’m grown up. My protector is gone, but the magic is not.”
Mark Vonnegut’s words showed how the author’s legacy extended far beyond his literary genius, into the lives of those he loved.

12. Whitney Houston

1963–2012
Eulogized by: Kevin Costner (actor and friend)
“The greatest pop star in the world didn’t think she was good enough. … I think Whitney would tell you, guard your bodies. Guard the precious miracle of your own life. Then sing your hearts out, knowing that there’s a lady in heaven who is making God Himself wonder how He created something so perfect.”
Costner’s heartfelt eulogy revealed Houston’s humanity and the profound impact of her unmatched talent.

These eulogies remind us that the way we live shapes the stories people tell about us. What will your eulogy say? Whether it’s a laugh, a lesson, or a legacy, Deathwishes is here to help you shape the narrative you want to leave behind. After all, your life deserves a story worth telling.