After an already-rough 2016, the heartbreak continues. Carrie Fisher has died at age 60. The family's publicist released a statement to People on Tuesday, Dec. 27 confirming the news. This comes days after Fisher reportedly suffered a heart attack while aboard a flight from London to Los Angeles. While the situation is undeniably tragic, there may be some comfort in the wisdom Fisher shared throughout her lifetime. Not only was she a major advocate for mental health and feminism, but she also was an outstanding mother. In a September interview with Teen Vogue, Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd, reflected on her empowering upbringing. In fact, the way that Fisher raised Lourd can be a lesson to parents everywhere. The Scream Queens star told Teen Vogue:
She told me to be true, and kind, and confident in yourself. She raised me to not think of men and women as different. She raised me without gender. It’s kind of the reason she named me Billie. It’s not about being a strong woman — it’s about being a strong person. She once told me, "I never sat you down with a credo. It was more about leading by example."
This powerful excerpt began circulating online thanks to a tweet from Danielle Nussbaum. By raising Lourd "without gender," Fisher allowed her to blossom and become her own person, without being constrained or defined by unfair gender stereotypes. Plus, the feminist backstory behind the name "Billie" makes it all the more awesome. She was able to grow up as a confident kid, and isn't that how all children should feel? Self-confidence and kindness are two of the best traits parents can instill in their offspring.
It's been rumored that Lourd's Scream Queens character, Chanel No. 3, wears earmuffs as a bit of an homage to her mother. You know, since Fisher sported those iconic hair buns as Princess Leia. Whether or not that's actually the reason behind the character's signature accessory, it's clear Lourd carries her mother's wisdom with her in life. Not only that, but she's following in Fisher's acting footsteps, having appeared alongside her in mom in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Following Fisher's untimely death, Lourd's publicist released the following statement to Bustle:
It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning. She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.
Fisher's parenting approach is just one of many examples that showcases the Star Wars actor's remarkable personality. And as evidenced by the outpouring on social media, she's already sorely missed.
