As images of Robert Redford appeared on a screen behind her, Barbra Streisand shared a deeply personal reflection that felt less like a formal tribute and more like a glimpse into a long friendship. Instead of simply presenting remarks, she spoke about their bond and the moments that stayed with her through the years.
She recalled how Redford liked to tease her by calling her “Babs,” a nickname she often claimed to resist but clearly held dear. The affectionate teasing reflected a connection that had lasted far beyond their early years in the spotlight.
One memory stood out above the rest—a phone call she never forgot. During that conversation, he told her, “Babs, I love you dearly, and I always will.” The simple words captured the depth of their friendship and remained with her long after the call ended.
As Redford’s final days approached, Streisand wanted to return that kindness. She wrote him a final note that echoed his own words of affection and signed it the way he had always addressed her: “I love you too. Babs.”
The tribute ended with a quiet performance of The Way We Were. As she sang, her voice carried the weight of shared memories and emotion. For those watching, the moment felt less like a performance and more like a public farewell—an intimate goodbye that briefly allowed the audience to share in a deeply personal memory.
