Loretta Swit's Final Instagram Posts Were Poignant Tributes
Fans are mourning the death of Loretta Swit. The beloved M*A*S*H star died at her New York City home on May 30, 2025, at age 87, TMZ reported. Swit’s cause of death has not been officially revealed.
The actress played Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan for 11 seasons on the CBS wartime comedy-drama series. Following her death, her longtime co-stars, including Alan Alda and Jamie Farr, remembered her with loving tributes, per USA Today. Mike Farrell, who played Captain B. J. Hunnicutt on the iconic series, posted a gorgeous photo of Swit to Instagram soon after her death was announced.
Swit herself was active on Instagram up until her death. Her final posts in April and May 2025 were all special tributes and memories of her time on the show. On April 20, she posted a birthday tribute to actor Jeff Maxwell, who played Private Igor, the mess tent cook on M*A*S*H.
Her next post came on May 12, and it featured photos of her hugging and laughing with her longtime friend, actress Kim Fields. “Biggest birthday hugs to this incredible force of nature @kimfieldsofficial celebrating another trip around the sun ???????????????????????? ❤️ Wishing you nothing but good health and good things today and always and wishing you everything you wish for yourself! I’m so very glad you were born my beautiful friend,” Swit captioned the post.
Next up was an 82nd birthday tribute to Gary Burghoff, Swit’s M*A*S*H costar who played Corporal Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reilly on the series. Swit posted a series of photos of her and Burghoff together, with the final shot a photo of her longtime co-star making a solemn salute. “Happy happy birthday Gary!! Luvya tonsss!!” Swit wrote, adding hashtags honoring her #mashfamily.
Swit’s final Instagram post was the most poignant of all. On Memorial Day, May 26, she posted a still photo from a classic M*A*S*H episode. She then honored all of the men and women who died serving their country. “With loving gratitude they served and protected and gave their lives. Rest In Peace. God is nigh ???????????????????????? #MemorialDay #HonorThem #NeverForget,” Swit captioned her final post.
Fans reacted to Swit’s final social media posts. “Thank you for always representing the M.A.S.H. family well. You remembered every birthday, every event. We can tell how much you loved the MASH era and everyone in it,” one fan wrote.
Related: Alan Alda Remembers Loretta Swit in Heartbreaking Tribute