By Mark Gray
11:49am PST, Feb 23, 2020
Famed restaurateur, cookbook author, model and lifestyle guru B. Smith passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 70. Smith was a legend in many fields. In addition to her successful home decor line, she became one of first black women to be featured on the cover of Mademoiselle in 1976. In the late '90s, Smith was welcomed into many homes with her cooking and lifestyle show, "B. Smith with Style." Following her death, many celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to Smith. Click through to see how she's being honored…
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"We lost legendary fashion model, chef, restaurateur, lifestyle icon and magazine publisher, B Smith today. 70 years old, she and her husband, Dan Gasby were at the forefront of #alzheimers #research for people of color. Love to them and daughter, Dana. #bsmithwithstyle" –Al Roker
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"The elegance. The grace. The style. May God rest and bless her soul. #BSmith was one-of-a-kind." –Ava DuVernay
"My condolences to @ThankyouDan and the whole family of the lovely, gracious and amazing B Smith. She was a groundbreaking icon and a very kind soul. Prayers and white light to you all. @BSmithstyle" –Morgan Fairchild
"#BSmith was a CLASS act 4sho! A TRUE QUEEN! #RESTINPARADISE #RESTINPOWER" –Vivica A. Fox
"RIP B. Smith. My thoughts & prayers are with her family. B. was special to many people — I'm honored to have spent time with her. B.'s fight with Alzheimer's was one far too many face, but she approached it with a spirit that made her light shine bright." –Dr. Oz
"This is all so true. Thank you B. Smith" –Tamron Hall, reacting to a post that said, "She broke down barriers. She shined. She fought the good fight. Rest In Peace, B. Smith. #BSmith."
"#bsmith was inspirational and aspirational at same time… I was lucky to have met her early on, got a chance to work with her a few times. She was truly a ground breaker and she will be missed" —Andrew Zimmern
"Another iconic #NewYork legend has left us
#BSmith was everything! Institution, trailblazing entrepreneur, restaurateur, and all-round beautiful woman
Blessings to her and all those she loved" –Matthew Modine
"I am devastated at the loss of my friend @BSmith. Praying for Dan Gasby and her family!" —Omarosa Manigault
"Oh, no. B. Smith has passed on. What a loving, elegant, brilliant woman. So kind to my silly self since the '80s in Time Square at her spot. This runaway rag-a-muffin appreciated her for over 30 years. Peace to you #BSmith" –Lori Petty
