Bob Mackie, legendary costume and fashion designer, dies at 87
PALM SPRINGS, CA (KESQ) - Bob Mackie, the celebrated costume and fashion designer whose dazzling creations helped define some of entertainment’s most unforgettable stars, has died at 87.
Mackie’s death was announced Monday, September 14, through his official Instagram account. His representatives did not immediately disclose a cause of death.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the statement read. “He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
For more than five decades, Mackie transformed the worlds of television, film, theater and fashion with designs known for their glamour, wit, theatricality and unmistakable sparkle. His career included collaborations with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Cher, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Elton John, Bette Midler and Carol Burnett.
Mackie reportedly visited the Coachella Valley for decades before moving here in 2019.
Mackie was particularly celebrated for his longtime work with Burnett and Cher. He designed costumes for the entire 11-year run of The Carol Burnett Show, creating many of the show's most memorable visual moments. His relationship with Cher likewise became one of the defining collaborations of his career, producing some of the singer's most iconic stage and television looks.
His extraordinary career earned him nine Emmy Awards and three Academy Award nominations, along with induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Mackie also received the Geoffrey Beene CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award. His theatrical work brought another major honor when he won a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for The Cher Show.
Mackie’s legacy was celebrated earlier this year at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Art Party 2026, where he was the evening’s honoree.
The museum had announced that legendary entertainer Carol Burnett, Mackie’s longtime collaborator and friend, would present him with the Art Party Honoree Award. The January 24 gala brought the two longtime collaborators together onstage for a celebration of Mackie’s contribution to fashion, costume and popular culture. In a Facebook post this morning, the museum extended its condolences to Mackie's family, friends, collaborators, and "the many people whose lives were enriched by his artistry."
Now, following his death at 87, Mackie leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond individual costumes. His designs helped shape the way generations of audiences remember some of the world's most celebrated entertainers.
