As Bette Midler prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday in December 2025, the legendary performer offered a poignant reflection on her age and career at the annual Hulaween gala. This milestone arrives just weeks after the deeply felt loss of her beloved The First Wives Club co-star and friend, Diane Keaton, creating a moment of both celebration and sorrow that highlights Midler’s enduring impact on Hollywood and her personal connections within it.
The “Divine Miss M,” Bette Midler, recently graced the 30th annual Hulaween gala in New York, an event she founded to benefit the New York Restoration Project (NYRP). On October 24, 2025, the evening was marked by both celebration and a touching introspection as Midler, currently 79, looked ahead to her 80th birthday in December.
Accepting the prestigious Catalyst Award, Midler playfully acknowledged her age. “I know what you’re thinking: you’re 77, you’re nearly 80. Do you need a chair? No,” she quipped, before adding with her characteristic wit, “But yes, it’s true — I’m no longer a spring chicken. I’m no longer a summer chicken. I’m not even a fall chicken. I’m an endangered chicken at this point.” Her comments, as reported by People, highlighted a career still vibrant and impactful.
A Legacy of Green: The New York Restoration Project
The Hulaween gala itself is a testament to Midler’s lasting commitment to philanthropy. She founded the New York Restoration Project in 1995 with the goal of expanding access to green spaces for underserved communities across New York City. The organization’s 30th anniversary made the evening particularly moving for Midler, who reflected on the profound impact of remembering collective efforts.
During her speech, she mused, “You know, when you’re old, you remember the old things better than you remember yesterday. You don’t remember what you ate yesterday, but you remember what it felt like to dig in a filthy park and to remove debris and to be amongst people who were like-minded. You really remember that.”
She paid tribute to individuals who were instrumental in NYRP’s early days, including Scott Matthis, who passed away the previous year and helped initiate the project after building a similar model in California and inventing “Adopt a Highway.” Midler also honored Joe Pupello, the organization’s very first executive director, whom she called her “first star” and a “visionary.” Pupello was famously the first to articulate to Midler that “clean, green open space is a right, not a privilege.”
A Bittersweet Reflection: Remembering Diane Keaton
Midler’s public appearance and reflections on aging came just weeks after she shared a deeply heartfelt statement regarding the death of her long-time friend and The First Wives Club co-star, Diane Keaton. Keaton passed away in California at age 79 on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The news undoubtedly cast a somber note over Midler’s otherwise celebratory events.
In an emotional Instagram post, the Hocus Pocus alum mourned Keaton, describing her as “brilliant, beautiful [and] extraordinary.” Midler added, “I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!” This tribute resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the genuine camaraderie between the three stars of the beloved 1996 film.
The Enduring Charm of The First Wives Club
For fans of classic cinema, the bond between Midler, Keaton, and Goldie Hawn in The First Wives Club remains legendary. The film, a comedic tale of three divorced women seeking revenge on their ex-husbands, struck a chord with audiences worldwide, becoming an anthem of female empowerment and resilience. Keaton’s passing not only marks the end of an era for the iconic trio but also serves as a reminder of the powerful friendships forged in Hollywood.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom: A Look Back at Midler’s Journey
Midler’s career, spanning over five decades, is a remarkable narrative of ambition and talent. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she was named after legendary actress Bette Davis, though her mother famously mispronounced it. Her sisters, Susan and Judy, were similarly named after cinematic leading ladies Susan Hayward and Judy Garland, respectively.
Her early life included working at a Dole pineapple processing plant, a stark contrast to the glittering career that lay ahead. A valedictorian of Radford High in 1963 and voted “most dramatic” and “most talkative,” Midler briefly studied drama at the University of Hawaii before chasing her dreams in New York City. Her move was financed by a paycheck from her uncredited role as a seasick passenger in the 1966 film Hawaii, as chronicled by Remind Magazine.
Midler faced personal tragedy early in her career when her sister Judy was tragically killed by a taxi in New York City while Midler was performing as Tzeitel in Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof in the late 1960s. Despite such hardships, Midler’s star continued to rise. Her breakthrough came in the 1970s, performing at the Continental Baths with Barry Manilow as her pianist, a collaboration that led to her debut album, The Divine Miss M.
The Unstoppable Entertainer: What’s Next for Bette
Even as she approaches her 80th birthday, Bette Midler shows no signs of slowing down. Her recent work includes starring in the film The Fabulous Four, and she continues to engage with her audience through occasional live performances. Her enduring musical talents, celebrated through timeless hits like “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Rose,” ensure her place as one of the most beloved entertainers of all time.
Midler’s journey reflects a unique blend of comedic genius, vocal prowess, and deep-seated philanthropy. As she steps into her ninth decade, fans celebrate not just her milestones but also the unwavering spirit of an artist who continues to inspire, entertain, and make a tangible difference in the world.
