Queerty
Cher, Bette Midler, Elton John & others pay tribute to Bob Mackie
By Mister D
Sept 14, 2026
As we reported yesterday, legendary fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie died at age 87.
Mackie’s death was announced on his official Instagram page. It stated, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Mackie was raised in Monterey Park, California. He dreamed of designing for Broadway, but because of his proximity to Hollywood, he instead worked as an assistant to Oscar winners Edith Head and Jean Louis.
It was Mackie who drew the original sketch that inspired the dress Marilyn Monroe wore to sing for President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
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Mackie’s big break came when, in 1966, Mitzi Gaynor needed someone to design her costumes for a Las Vegas residency. She chose Mackie, on the recommendation of Mackie’s collaborator and romantic partner, Ray Aghayan.
That led to Mackie working on The Carol Burnett Show for 11 years, which led to collaborations with a who’s who of female stars, along with eye-catching male celebrities like Elton John.
After the news of his death, many of those who wore his designs have paid tribute.
Cher and Elton John
The star most closely associated with Mackie was Cher. In a brief message on X, she said, “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven.Knowing him,he’s bringing Sequins,Beads,& his sketch pad. Good night sweet Prince.”
Tributes from Elton John say, ‘I’m so sad to hear of @bobmackie’s passing.’
Every time I wear something Bob Mackie made, I feel very, very special.
His costumes were works of art; he remains Hollywood’s most legendary designer.
Bob had extraordinary vision and the workmanship was unreal.
I don’t think I ever wore a Bob Mackie outfit.
Nothing fell off – not a sequin or a rhinestone or anything.
His clothes were made so beautifully.
He loved glamour like I love glamour.
But more than anything, we shared the same sense of humor and had so much fun together.
In a sea of ego, he seemed to have none. One of the most courteous, incredible people I ever had the pleasure of working with. Thank you, Bob ??
Bette and Barbra
Bette Midler said, “The gentle, sweet, extraordinarily talented Bob Mackie has died today. I worked with him many times and adored him. His clothes were mostly beautiful and incredibly glamorous but just as often they were hilarious; he always got the joke. Another light has gone out of our lives.”
Barbra Streisand said, “Bob Mackie was an incredible talent. He designed one gorgeous outfit after another for me in Funny Lady. He might continue designing creations for the angels.”
Carol Burnett said, “Sadness doesn’t come close to how I feel. I loved him very much. As for his genius, there are fashion designers who don’t do costumes and there are costume designers who don’t do fashion. Bob did it all. There was no one like him.”
