15 Last Words from Famous People ...

A reggae singer and musician, Bob Marley’s last words were spoken to his sons. He said “money can’t buy life” - this is a truly profound statement which really lets you see just how important it is to focus on what you truly love, as opposed to what makes you the most money. Life happens when you are truly happy, and a lot of last words from famous people seem to say the same thing.

Legendary Beatles member and self-confessed dreamer John Lennon’s last words are truly eerie. He exclaimed “I’m shot” as he stumbled into his home after being shot four times by Mark Chapman. It’s not hard to imagine how terrified he would have been, and this makes these last words really tragic.

J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, uttered last words that are rather ironic. He died on June 19, 1937 after a long battle with pneumonia, and his last words were “I can’t sleep”. He was buried next to his parents in Scotland.

Some of the most quoted last words ever, Thomas Edison muttered “It’s very beautiful over there” before passing away. These last words are very touching and inspire many people, whether they are religious or not. It’s wonderful to think that whatever is after death is very beautiful.

Another member of The Beatles, George Harrison said something before he died that everyone should remember - “Love one another”. As you reflect on life it’s easy to see that the times when you are the happiest is when you are being kind to people, and it’s important to remember that always.

She was a very controversial artist, but there is not doubt that Frida Kahlo was a truly influential woman, outspoken about many issues, particularly equality for women. However her last words were slightly morbid, with her being quoted to have said “I hope the exit is joyful and hope never to return”. Perhaps she was really hoping for a calm and peaceful journey.

It is no secret that Leonardo da Vinci never really believed that he had reached his full potential as an artist - his last words were “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have”. It makes you wish he was around now to see the world-renowned painter he has become!

As a poet, it is only fitting that Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s final words were just as lovely. When her husband asked her how she was feeling, she simply replied with one word - “beautiful”. She was happy and content and that certainly would have made the ordeal considerably easier.

Anna Pavlova was a world-famous ballet dancer, most famous for playing the title role in Swan Lake. Her final words were “get my swan costume ready” - this shows that even right at the very end, she still cared the most about her true passion - dancing.

There is so much controversy and confusion around Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ last words after he died of cancer in 2011. His sister who was with him until the end says that his last words were “oh wow oh wow oh wow” - what he was amazed by is a mystery.

Forever the comedian, Groucho Marx’s last words were “Die my dear? Why, that’s the last thing I’ll do!” Ironically, he died very shortly after of pneumonia on June 22, 1977.

She was one of the most loved women on the planet, and poor Princess Diana’s last words reflect her tragic last moments - she said “My God. What’s happened?” after her car crashed in Paris, just before she passed away. Her death was felt worldwide and hundreds of thousands of people mourned for her.

Just like George Harrison’s last words, Russian writer Leo Tolstoy’s also remind us that we are all worthy of love - he is quoted with saying “I love many things, I love all people”. Tolstoy died of pneumonia at a train station in Russia in 1910.

Much like Princess Diana, famous handsome actor James Dean was also killed in a horrific car accident. His last words, which were “This guy’s got to stop - he’ll see us” refer to the head-on collision that occurred between him and another driver which ultimately resulted in his death.

We are all familiar with Picasso’s crazy mismatched paintings, and by all accounts he was a jolly, fun person. He lived to a grand old age of 91 and his final words were that of celebration: “Drink to me!” he truly appreciated life and all it had to offer, and he wanted people to celebrate the life he had lead.

These famous people’s last words are interesting and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them! I am always intrigued by how people see their own lives when they reflect on them. What is your favourite ‘last words’ quote?