Plus how you can use these examples to write a great eulogy too
A great eulogy resonates not only because it captures the essence of the person being honored but because it speaks to universal emotions, such as love, grief, hope, and legacy. The best eulogies balance personal reflection with broader themes that connect to everyone in attendance. In this post, we will explore several famous eulogies, offering quotes from each and an analysis of what made them powerful, moving, and memorable.
Don’t miss our notes on Billy Crystal’s eology of Muhammed Ali in #7 below and be sure to watch it too.
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1. Barack Obama for John Lewis (2020)
Context: Civil rights icon John Lewis was honored in 2020 by former President Barack Obama, who delivered a eulogy that celebrated Lewis’s unwavering fight for equality. Obama connected Lewis’s life to the broader history of America’s struggle for justice and democracy.
Excerpt:
“He, as much as anyone in our history, brought this country a little bit closer to our highest ideals, and someday when we do finish that long journey towards freedom, when we do form a more perfect union—whether it’s years from now or decades, or even if it takes another two centuries—John Lewis will be a founding father of that fuller, fairer, better America.”
Analysis:
Obama’s eulogy is powerful because it ties Lewis’s personal sacrifice and commitment to a larger narrative of American democracy. By calling Lewis a “founding father” of a better America, Obama elevates his legacy beyond individual accomplishments and frames his life as an integral part of the country’s progress. The eulogy is both a tribute and a call to continue the work Lewis started, inspiring future generations to carry on his legacy.
2. Earl Spencer for Princess Diana (1997)
Context: At the funeral of Princess Diana, her brother, Earl Spencer, delivered a deeply emotional eulogy that captured both the public and private sides of her life. He also boldly criticized the media for its treatment of her, which many felt contributed to her tragic death.
Excerpt:
“It is a point to remember that of all the ironies about Diana, perhaps the greatest was this: a girl given the name of the ancient goddess of hunting was, in the end, the most hunted person of the modern age.”
Analysis:
Earl Spencer’s eulogy stands out because of its raw emotional intensity and the directness with which he addressed the media’s role in Diana’s life and death. By invoking the image of Diana as both the “goddess of hunting” and “the most hunted person,” Spencer encapsulates the tragic dichotomy of her life. His words not only memorialize his sister but also serve as a public critique of the pressures she faced, making it a unique and bold eulogy that reflected both love and righteous anger.
3. Mona Simpson for Steve Jobs (2011)
Context: Mona Simpson, the sister of Steve Jobs, delivered a moving eulogy at his funeral that revealed the private, familial side of the tech visionary. Her eulogy was filled with personal anecdotes that humanized Jobs, offering an intimate view of a man many only knew for his professional achievements.
Excerpt:
“Steve’s final words, hours earlier, were monosyllables, repeated three times. Before embarking, he looked at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his life’s partner, Laurene, and then over their shoulders past them. Steve’s final words were: ‘Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.'”
Analysis:
Simpson’s eulogy is memorable because it provides an intimate glimpse into Jobs’ final moments, making a larger-than-life figure feel deeply human. Her recounting of his last words, simple yet profound, captures the mystery and awe that surrounded Jobs’ life and legacy. It’s this raw and unguarded portrayal that touches the heart, reminding us that even the most influential figures are, at their core, human beings with families, emotions, and mortality.
4. Oprah Winfrey for Rosa Parks (2005)
Context: At the memorial service for civil rights icon Rosa Parks, Oprah Winfrey delivered a heartfelt eulogy that highlighted Parks’ quiet strength and her profound influence on future generations, including Oprah herself.
Excerpt:
“I owe you, Rosa Parks. For without you, I would not have a seat on the bus, and I would not have a seat at the table. May God bless you with eternal peace.”
Analysis:
Oprah’s eulogy is a powerful example of personal gratitude mixed with historical significance. She draws a direct line between Parks’ bravery in the civil rights movement and her own success, framing Parks as the foundation for her achievements. This personal connection adds emotional weight to the tribute, making it feel both specific and universal. Oprah’s words serve as a reminder that the legacy of those we honor lives on through the people they inspire.
5. Robert F. Kennedy for Martin Luther King Jr. (1968)
Context: On the night of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Robert F. Kennedy delivered an impromptu speech during a campaign stop. His words were not only a tribute to King but also a plea for peace in a country torn apart by racial violence and division.
Excerpt:
“What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be Black.”
Analysis:
Kennedy’s eulogy for King was remarkable not only for its content but for its timing. Delivered at a moment of intense national grief and anger, his words provided a calming influence. Kennedy’s ability to speak to the broader need for unity, even as the country grappled with the loss of a civil rights leader, demonstrated the power of a eulogy to offer hope and healing. His message of love and compassion resonated with the nation and is still quoted as an example of leadership in times of crisis.
6. Ronald Reagan for the Challenger Astronauts (1986)
Context: After the space shuttle Challenger tragically exploded in 1986, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation in a televised speech that acted as both a eulogy for the fallen astronauts and a message of resilience for the grieving country.
Excerpt:
“The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye, and ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God.’”
Analysis:
Reagan’s eulogy is remembered for its poetic language and ability to provide solace in the face of a national tragedy. By quoting the poem “High Flight” at the end, Reagan elevated the astronauts’ sacrifice to something almost spiritual, comforting a nation grappling with shock and loss. His words created a narrative of heroism and hope, showing how a well-crafted eulogy can help a grieving public process unimaginable loss.
7. Maya Angelou for Coretta Scott King (2006)
Context: Poet and author Maya Angelou delivered a stirring eulogy at the funeral of Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr. Angelou honored King’s role in the civil rights movement and her quiet strength as a mother and leader.
Excerpt:
“She said, ‘I am going to stand as a representative of a legacy of a people who said we are going to be free.’ She was a quintessential African-American woman, born of flesh, destined to become iron.”
Analysis:
Maya Angelou’s eulogy is memorable for its lyrical quality and its ability to elevate Coretta Scott King’s life into something timeless. By describing King as someone who “became iron,” Angelou emphasizes the strength required to carry on after her husband’s assassination. The eulogy offers both a personal tribute and a reflection on the broader significance of King’s life, speaking to her courage and dignity. Angelou’s poetic language makes the eulogy not just a speech, but a powerful piece of literature in its own right.
8. Billy Crystal’s Eulogy for Muhammad Ali (2016)
Context: At Muhammad Ali’s funeral, Billy Crystal, a longtime friend of the boxing legend, delivered a eulogy that mixed humor and heartfelt reflection, capturing both Ali’s playful personality and his global significance.
Excerpt:
“Muhammad Ali struck us in the middle of America’s darkest night, lit up our lives, and became a beacon of hope, of possibility, of freedom for so many people of the world.”
Analysis:
Crystal’s eulogy stood out for its balance of humor and emotion. His personal anecdotes and impressions of Ali highlighted the boxer’s charm and wit, while also acknowledging Ali’s larger role as a unifier and civil rights advocate. By blending lighthearted moments with reflections on Ali’s impact on the world, Crystal made the eulogy relatable and meaningful for both close friends and admirers alike.
Excerpt:
“He taught us that life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls.”
Why It Stands Out:
Crystal used humor to capture Ali’s personality, but also emphasized his legacy as a symbol of hope and justice, creating a heartfelt and memorable tribute.
Watch this eulogy:
What Makes These Examples Stand Out
These famous eulogies share several key elements that make them stand out: authenticity, emotional depth, and the ability to connect the personal with the universal. Whether the eulogy is for a civil rights leader, a family member, or an astronaut, the most memorable tributes celebrate both the individual and the larger impact they had on the world. Each of these examples provides valuable lessons in how to craft a eulogy that not only honors the deceased but also offers comfort and inspiration to those left behind.
How Can I Use These Examples to Write and Deliver a Great Eulogy?
The famous eulogies discussed in this post provide valuable lessons that you can apply when writing and delivering your own eulogy. While every eulogy is unique, the following insights can help you create a memorable and heartfelt tribute.
1. Focus on the Essence of the Person
In every great eulogy, the speaker captures the core of who the person was. Whether it’s John Lewis’s dedication to justice or Princess Diana’s warmth and humanity, these eulogies distill the essence of the individual. Think about what made your loved one unique. Were they known for their kindness, their sense of humor, or their generosity? Focus on a few key qualities that defined them and build your eulogy around those themes.
Tip: Reflect on the memories and stories that highlight these qualities. You don’t need to cover every aspect of their life—focus on what made them who they were.
2. Use Personal Stories
The most powerful eulogies use personal stories to paint a picture of the deceased. Mona Simpson’s eulogy for her brother Steve Jobs, for example, was filled with intimate anecdotes that revealed who he was outside of his public persona. Similarly, Oprah Winfrey’s eulogy for Rosa Parks connected her personal experiences to Parks’ broader legacy.
Tip: Choose stories that illustrate the person’s character and values. These stories don’t need to be grand or dramatic—often, it’s the simple, everyday moments that resonate the most. Sharing a funny or heartwarming memory can help the audience feel connected to the person you are honoring.
3. Connect to Larger Themes
In several of the famous eulogies, the speaker connects the individual’s life to broader themes, such as courage, justice, or love. Barack Obama’s eulogy for John Lewis, for instance, not only honored Lewis’s personal sacrifices but also tied his life to the ongoing struggle for equality in America.
Tip: Consider how your loved one’s life reflects broader themes. Were they someone who always stood up for what they believed in? Did they live a life full of love and kindness? By linking their life to universal themes, you can create a more profound and meaningful tribute that resonates with everyone in attendance.
4. Balance Emotion and Poise
Many of the most memorable eulogies are emotionally charged, but the speakers also maintain a sense of control and poise. Robert F. Kennedy’s impromptu eulogy for Martin Luther King Jr. is a prime example of this balance—his words were full of emotion but also delivered with calm and purpose.
Tip: It’s natural to feel overwhelmed with emotion during a eulogy, and it’s okay to show vulnerability. However, practice your eulogy ahead of time to ensure you can deliver it smoothly, even if emotions arise. Having notes or a written script can help you stay focused if you become emotional.
5. Keep It Concise
Great eulogies are usually concise, focusing on the most important aspects of the person’s life and character. Most of the eulogies discussed in this post are 5 to 10 minutes long, which is a good length to aim for. Mona Simpson’s eulogy for Steve Jobs, for example, was impactful because it focused on a few personal anecdotes and his core values, rather than trying to cover every detail of his life.
Tip: Aim for a eulogy that’s between 500-1000 words. This will allow you to share meaningful stories and reflections without overwhelming your audience. Focus on a few key points that best capture the person you’re honoring.
6. Use Meaningful Language
The language you use in a eulogy matters. Many famous eulogies, like Ronald Reagan’s for the Challenger astronauts or Maya Angelou’s for Coretta Scott King, stand out because of their poetic and thoughtful phrasing. You don’t need to be a professional writer to deliver a moving eulogy, but choosing your words carefully can help elevate your speech.
Tip: Use simple, heartfelt language. If you want to include a poem, quote, or religious text, choose something that reflects the deceased’s values or personality. Even a brief quote can add depth and resonance to your eulogy.
7. End on a Hopeful or Positive Note
Many great eulogies end with a note of hope, peace, or inspiration. For example, Ronald Reagan’s eulogy for the Challenger astronauts ended with the poetic image of the astronauts “slipping the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.” This kind of closing helps provide closure and comfort to those who are grieving.
Tip: Consider ending your eulogy with a hopeful message or a reflection on the person’s lasting impact. This could be a simple statement about how they will be remembered, or a call to action for how those present can honor their memory.
