Carrie Fisher will always be known as Princess Leia in the iconic movie series Star wars, but she was more than just a princess. She was a mental health advocate; she struggled through her life with mania and bipolar disorder. “I’m am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I’m still surviving it, but bring it on,” Carrie would tell people. She spent her life trying to inform people of mental illness and to fight mental health stigma. She was brave, and a fighter, and admired by many people around the world.

Sadly, Carrie died of cardiac arrest on December 27, 2016, at the age of 60. Less than a day later, her mother died. It was a heartbreaking moment for their family; Carrie’s siblings lost both her and their mother, and Carrie’s daughter lost both her mother and grandmother in one day. Carrie’s brother, Todd, explained to the media his mother’s last wishes and words; “I never want to go to my daughter’s funeral service. I would like to be buried with Carrie.” Todd reported, “I didn’t know she was going to leave us that very next day and when she looked at me to ask permission to leave, she said she wanted to be with Carrie, and she closed her eyes and went to sleep. It was a very peaceful exit that only my mother could’ve orchestrated, she was trained in Hollywood, where they teach you to make a great entrance and exit. … A beautiful exit.” The memorial for both Carrie and her mother was held March 25, 2016. It was a public memorial, and over 1,200 people attended it; it was also live streamed to the world, so those who could not attend could still mourn and watch the beautiful service. 

To many people, Carrie Fisher’s death was added to the list of reasons why, to them, 2016 was the worst year ever. Although death is a sad thing, Carrie left behind more than just sadness; she also left beautiful memories and influences for the better. Rest in peace, Carrie Fisher, may the force always be with you.