Robert Redford Remembered: Private Farewell in Utah, Public Tributes Worldwide

The world is mourning the loss of Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and champion of independent film, who passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89.

Redford died peacefully at his longtime home in Sundance, Utah, the place he cherished most and where he founded both the Sundance Mountain Resort and the Sundance Film Festival. In a statement, his publicist Cindi Berger confirmed that the family will hold a private, family-only funeral in the Utah mountains, honoring his wish to be “in the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved.”

While the family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, public tributes to the Hollywood icon have begun to bloom. At Sundance Mountain Resort, a special “Chairlift Light Vigil” is being hosted in his honor. Guests ride the evening chairlift holding battery-powered candles, casting a glow across the mountainside that Redford called home. A temporary memorial has also been set up at the resort, allowing visitors to lay flowers, notes, and tokens of remembrance.

Messages of condolence and admiration have poured in from across the globe. Fellow actors, directors, and artists have reflected on his immense contributions to cinema, from unforgettable performances in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Way We Were to his groundbreaking work as a director and producer.

Many also praised Redford’s lasting impact beyond the screen. Through the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival, he nurtured generations of independent filmmakers, giving them a platform to share bold, authentic stories. His environmental advocacy further cemented his reputation as an artist deeply connected to the world around him.

Meryl Streep called him “one of the lions” of American cinema, while Barbra Streisand fondly remembered their time together on The Way We Were, saying Redford was “one of a kind.” Ron Howard described him as an “artistic game-changer” whose influence would continue to ripple for decades.

As the private funeral draws near, Redford’s family grieves quietly, but his legacy is being celebrated loudly across the world. From the Utah mountains to the global stage, the tributes speak to a truth shared by millions: Robert Redford was more than a star—he was a visionary whose spirit will endure.