Many last words are highly esteemed for their wisdom, fun, and other personal reasons. Usually, the last words are the things once uttered for the last time before their demise.
Here are famous last words from popular people.
1. “Hey, let’s go for a drive” – Paul Walker
The American Fast and Furious actor said to his friend, Roger Radas before they both died in a car crash on November 30, 2013. Walker was aged 40. Other sources claim that his last words were, “We will be back in 5 minutes”.
2. “My God, what’s happened?” – Princess Diana
A firefighter who was at the accident scene reported that Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales said these last words before going into cardiac arrest. She died on 31 August 1997.
3. “Jake, is it my birthday or am I dying?” – Nancy Astor
She said this on her dying bed when she woke up to find her loved ones beside her bed. The British politician who was the first woman seated as a Member of Parliament died on 2 May 1964.
4. “I go away to prepare a place for you” – Harriet Tubman
Famous as the Black Moses, Harriet Tubman who believed very much in God quoted the Gospel of John on her dead bed to the family and friends who were around. She died of pneumonia on March 10, 1913, and was buried with military honors in Fort Hill Cemetery in New York.
5. “I want nothing, but death” – Jane Austen
The English novelist died in 1817 after suffering from an unknown disease. Her last words were recorded by her brother.
6. “I’d hate to die twice. It’s so boring” – Richard Feynman
The Nobel Prize winner, Feynman suffered a rare type of cancer and later kidney failure. He died in 1988, in Los Angeles, California.
7. “Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough” – Karl Marx
The German philosopher said these last words after his housekeeper if he had anything to say. He died in 1883.
8. “Goodnight, my love… goodnight, goodnight” – Robin Williams
Robin, a prolific comedian and actor suffered both mental and physical ailments. He later died of suicide in 2014. The night before, he said his final words, “Goodnight, my love… goodnight, goodnight.” to his wife, Susan Schneider Williams
9. “No, you certainly can’t.” – John F. Kennedy
The 35th president of the United States responded to Nellie Connally who said “Mr. President, they can’t make you believe now that there are not some in Dallas who love and appreciate you, can they?” He was assassinated on November 22, 1963.
10.”Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy” – Charlotte Brontë
In the last of famous last words, Charlotte Brontë’s is the saddest – or probably not! Anyway, she said her last words to her husband who knelt beside her bed, crying and praying. They were only married for 9 months before her unfortunate demise in March 1855.
11. “Money can’t buy life” – Bob Marley
Bob Marley led his life speaking from the heart through music. Despite all he acquired in life, his last words were of humility. He spoke his last words to his son Ziggy, reminding him that there are more important things to life than wealth. He died of cancer in 1981.
12. “A life is like a garden, perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP” – Leonard Nimoy
Although there are other words the Star Trek actor said, these are his final public words. He shared it on Twitter a few days before he died in 2015.
13. “I’m going away tonight.” – James Brown
The famous American singer told his manager and friend Charles Bobbit these words before he passed away hours later on 25 December 2006.
14. “Take away those pillows. I shall need them no more.” – Lewis Carroll
The writer suffered pneumonia in his last days. His sisters who were there to care for him wanted to make him comfortable with pillows and the Alice in Wonderland author said these words to them. He died the day after on 14 January 1898.
15. “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.” – Steve Jobs
Jobs was one of the most famous businessmen in the world and was best known as the co-founder of Apple. Perhaps fascinated at the point of death, his sister reported that his last words were repeated “Oh wow”. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2011.
16. “I’ll show you that it won’t shoot.” — Johnny Ace
The American musician was playing with a 32-caliber revolver during a break on set. He said the last words before he pulled the trigger on 25 December 1954.
17. “You’re a lifesaver, Andy.” — William Donaldson
The British satirist and playboy said his final words to the caretaker of his building, who had collected pills for him. He died on 22 June 2005.
18. “Consummatum est” (“It is finished”) – José Rizal
Rizal who was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896, was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and Philipines freedom fighter. His last words signify the end of his mission – similar words said by Jesus Christ.
19. “All my possessions for a moment of time!” – Queen Elizabeth I
The Queen who died a wealthy monarch at 70 reminded herself and others of the humility that comes with death and the vanity of all one acquires in a lifetime.
20. “I feel sleepy, and a moment of rest would do me good.” — Gustav III, King of Sweden
King Gustav III died 13 days after he was shot by Jacob Johan Anckarström during a masked ball. He died on 29 March of blood poisoning and pneumonia in 1792.
21. “Forgive them. Bury me in Glasnevin with the boys.” – Michael Collins
In 1922, Collins, a Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Army was ambushed and killed. After he was shot in the head, he made his last words, “Forgive them. Bury me in Glasnevin with the boys.”
22. “What do you think I’m gonna do? Blow my brains out?”— Terry Kath
The Chicago band founder, singer, and guitarist said these last words before he accidentally shot himself in his head in 1978.
23. “I’m bored with it all” – Winston Churchill
When it comes to great quotes, Winston Churchill left his mark. The Prime Minister who led Britain through WWII ended his days with words that have equally become famous.
24 “I’m going, but I’m going in the name of the Lord” – Bessie Smith
Bessie was a renowned blues singer whose last words show her faith and belief in a supreme being. She died in 1937.
25. “Please watch out for each other” – Jim Henson
Henson was the founder of Muppets, Inc. – now The Jim Henson Company. He was loved by friends and family and even at death, he looked out for them. Thus his famous and important last words Please watch out for each other”. He wrote this in a letter shortly before he died in 1990.
26. “Goodnight my darlings, I’ll see you tomorrow” – Noel Coward
The playwright died in his Jamaican home in 1974. He said his last words to his friends before going to bed.
27. “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go” – Oscar Wilde
The Irish playwright, poet, and author lived a life of “words” when it came to his last days. he didn’t run out of witty words. He shared his last words with his friends, including Reginald Turner. He died in 1990.
28. “Goodnight, my kitten” – Ernest Hemingway
Like Robbin Williams, Hemingway’s last words were to his wife before taking his life on 2 July 1961.
29. “Lady, you shot me” – Sam Cooke
The music icon said his last words after he was shot by Bertha Franklin in 1964.
30. “You see, this is how you die” – Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel
Perhaps with the feeling of satisfaction or even pride, Coco Chanel spoke her last words to her maid after she returned from a long drive, feeling ill, and before going to bed. She died in 1971.
31. “I’ve got to be crazy to do this shot. I should’ve asked for a double.” — Vic Morrow
The famous American actor died on the set of Twilight Zone: The Movie. He died in 1982 alongside 2 child actors.
32. “I’m going to the bathroom to read” – Elvis Presley
While there are also claims that Elvis’ last words were, “Okay, I won’t”, there are reports that his last words were “I’m going to the bathroom to read”, which he said to his girlfriend Ginger Alden the morning before he passed away. The Can’t Help Falling in Love singer died on 16 August 1977.
33. “Thomas Jefferson survives.”— John Adams
John Adams was an American Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States. In his dying bed, according to his son, John Quincy Adams, his last words were “Thomas Jefferson survives.” Unfortunately, the two men did on the same day (4 July 1826).
34. Why not? After all, it belongs to him?” – Charlie Chaplin
The great comedian’s last words were a reply to the priest who said, “May the Lord have mercy on your soul” while Chaplin was on his dying bed in 1977.
35. “Pardon me, sir, for I did not do it on purpose” – Marie Antoinette
She was an Austrian Archduchess who married into a French Royal family. She was arrested and later killed for treason. While others claimed that her last words were of atonement, others claim that they were an apology to her executioner after she stepped on his feet.
36. “Love one another” – George Harrison
He spent his last days with his family and spoke his last words to his wife and son before his death. He died of lung cancer in 2001.
37. “One last drink, please.” – Jack Daniel
It is no surprise that Jack Daniel’s last wish is related to a drink. He was famous for his whiskey brand and his life ended with him wishing for what he built. He suffered from infection and died in 1911.
38. “Of course, I know who you are. You’re my girl. I love you.” – John Wayne
As sad as how Wayne died of stomach cancer, it is also safe to say he died with a lot of love. His final words to his daughter are some of the most touching last words in history. He responded to his daughter’s question when she asked if he knew who she was. The actor died in 1979.
39. “So, this is death. Well.” – Thomas Clyde
One can say Clyde anticipated death or that he saw it coming. Either, his famous final last words are sad, yet seem fulfilling. The Scottish philosopher and scholar died on 5 February 1881.
See Also: 55 Moving On Quotes
40. “This is a hell of a way to die” – George Patton
Patton lived a fulfilling life as an American Army general. Yet, his end may not be as much fulfilling. He suffered from an auto crash which left him paralyzed and later took his life.
41. “I only regret that I have one life to lose for my country” – Nathan Hale
Hale’s last words were of a patriot and hero. Hale was only 21 when he was hanged by the British after he was arrested. He was a teacher and a spy.
42. “Now, God be praised, I die contented” – James Wolfe
The British Army officer died in a battle after being shot three times. He spoke his last words to his men on the battlefield after realizing that the French soldiers were retreating. He said this after giving his last command. He died at 32 on 13 September 1759.
43. “Damn it! How will I ever get out of this labyrinth?” – Simon Bolivar
Often known as The “George Washington” of Latin America, Simon Bolivar said his last words, referring to the labyrinth of suffering. Regardless of this, there are claims that his last words were “Fetch the luggage. They do not want us here,”. He died of complications from tuberculosis at 47 in 1830.
44. “Will it be an interesting experience? Will I find out what lies beyond the barrier? Why does it take so long to come?” – Graham Greene
He died of leukemia in 1991 at the age of 86 and these were said to be his last words.
45. “F*ck, a bullet wound!” – Antonio José de Sucre
These were the last words of the Venezuelan President who was shot while riding in a jungle in Colombia. He died on 4 June 1830.
46. “I am going to put myself to sleep now for a bit longer than usual. Call it eternuty” – Jerzy Kosinski
The Polish-American writer had his last words in his suicide note. He died in 1991.
47. “You’re right. It’s time. I love you all.” – Michael Landon
Actor Michael Landon, best known for Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven, died of cancer in 1991. His family gathered around his bed, and his son said it was time to move on. Landon said, “You’re right. It’s time. I love you all.”
48. “I don’t want to die; I don’t want to die. But why? Okay, okay, okay.” – Sam Kinison
In 1992, the American stand-up comedian and actor, Sam Kinison died in a collision. His last words were to no one in particular.
49. “An innocent man is going to be murdered tonight. When my innocence is proven, I hope America will realize the injustice of the death penalty as all other civilized countries have. My last words are to the woman I love. Love is eternal. My love for you will last forever. I love you, Sharon.” – Roger Keith Coleman
Coleman was a convicted and executed rapist and murderer. Even though found guilty, he maintained his innocence till death and spoke his last words before his execution. He was executed by electric chair on May 20, 1992.
50. “Fuck you” – Tupac “2Pac” Shakur
According to the police officer who was there are TuPac’s death claimed that the legendary rapper’s last words were “fuck you”. He revealed that the California Love singer said this right after the officer asked him who shot him.
51. “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have” – Leonardo Da Vinci
The world still remembers Leonardo Da Vinci as one of the greatest painters, sculptors, and architects. However, on his dying bed, Da Vinci confessed to had not reached his max in his lifetime. He died of a stroke at 67 in 1519.
52. “I’ll finally get to see Marilyn” – Joe DiMaggio
After spending 20 years of his life sending half-dozen red roses to Marilyn Monroe’s crypt three times a week, DiMaggio, Monroe’s ex-husband died with the words of affirmation that he’d see the woman he married and divorced many years ago. He died in 1999.
53. “Mother, I’m going to get my things and get out of this house. Father hates me and I’m never coming back” – Marvin Gaye
The American singer was shot dead by his father Marvin Gay Sr., in an argument on April 1, 1984. Before this, the Sexual Healing singer had said his last words to his mother.
54. “Born in a hotel room, and God dammit, died in one” – Eugene O’Neill
When the American playwright was dying at the Sheraton Hotel, now Boston University’s Kilachand Hall, O’Neill whispered his last words.
55. “Make the world better” – Lucy Stone
Stone dies of stomach cancer. Her last words to her daughter, Alice, were “Make the world better.” She is the first person in New England to be cremated.
