It's always sad to look back and see who we've lost every year. And this year, some amazing women who I'd always admired and thought were strong, empowering role models for women passed away. They lifted us up with their work, their films, their comedy, their music, and their spirit.

From the tragic death of singer Whitney Houston, whose Greatest Love of All album was one of the first I ever owned and whose voice has brought both joy and comfort over the years (and inspired some dancing), to Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, here we pay tribute to the amazing women who are no longer with us.