20 Last Words From History’s Most Famous People
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018
We’ve rounded up some thought-provoking parting words from famous leaders, writers, politicians and entertainers. Did the most memorable ones make the cut?
Augustus, first emperor of Rome
Last words: “I found Rome of clay; I leave it to you of marble.”
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Leonardo da Vinci, Renaissance icon
Last words: “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”
Marie Antoinette, last Queen of France
Last words: “Pardonnez-moi, monsieur. Je ne l’ai pas fait exprès.” (“Pardon me, sir. I did not do it on purpose,” said Antoinette to her executioner after accidentally stepping on his foot. She was beheaded shortly after.)
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Jane Austen, novelist
Last words: “I want nothing but death.”
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Napoleon Bonaparte, military leader
Last words: “France, the army, the head of the army, Josephine.”
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Ludwig van Beethoven, composer and pianist
Last words: “Friends, applaud. The comedy is over.”
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Vincent van Gogh, post-impressionist painter
Last words: “The sadness will last forever.”
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Thomas Edison, inventor and businessman
Last words: “It is very beautiful out there.” (Said to his wife.)
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Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer
Last words: “Gas is running low. We are on the line 157-337. We will repeat this message. We will repeat this on 6210 kilocycles. Wait.”
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Frida Kahlo, painter
Last words: “I hope the exit is joyful and hope never to come back.”
Ernest Hemingway, novelist and journalist
Last words: “Good night, my kitten.” (Said to his wife.)
Malcolm X, civil rights activist
Last words: “Hold it! Hold it! Let’s cool it! Let’s be cool, brothers!” (Said to his assassins.)
Robert F. Kennedy, politician
Last words: “Is everybody alright?” (Said after being shot in the Ambassador Hotel.)
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John Wayne, actor
Last words: “Of course I know who you are. You’re my girl. I love you.” (Said to his wife.)
Alfred Hitchcock, director
Last words: “One never knows the ending. One has to die to know exactly what happens after death, although Catholics have their hopes.”
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Diana, Princess of Wales
Last words: “My God, what’s happened?”
Frank Sinatra, singer and actor
Last words: “I’m losing.” (Said to his wife.)
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Joe DiMaggio, baseball player
Last words: “I’ll finally get to see Marilyn.”
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James Brown, singer-songwriter
Last words: “I’m going away tonight.”
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Steve Jobs, entrepreneur and businessman
Last words: “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.”
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