Beloved owner of Richmond’s Babes of Carytown has died

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The beloved owner of Virginia's one and only lesbian bar, the historic Babes of Carytown, has died.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Babes of Carytown announced on Instagram that the bar's owner, Vicky Hester, had died surrounded by loved ones.

"Please continue to join her family, friends, and staff at Babes of Carytown in remembering her tenacity for life and love for people," the bar said in the social post. "Keep those she loved in your thoughts, as we begin to navigate life without her. She will truly be missed."

Babes of Carytown is one of the oldest lesbian bars in the country. The bar said details for a celebration of life for Hester will be announced at a later date.

8News reached out to other organizations for statements on Hester's passing.

Here's what The Lesbian Bar Project had to say:

"Bars are more than just bars. They reflect the people who run and own them. Babes of Carytown illustrated Vicky's vision and became an institution that has touched many lives across the world. We hope that the torch can be passed and that Vicky's legacy can live on for generations to come." Elina Street and Erica Rose, creators of The Lesbian Bar Project

The director of Virginia Pride, James Millner, also shared the following message about the bar's late owner:

"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Vicky Hester, owner of Babes of Carytown and a pillar of Richmond’s LGBTQ community. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on for generations to come.

For decades, as owner of Babes, Vicky opened her doors and her heart to support and uplift the LGBTQ community she loved so dearly.  She understood that queer spaces are sacred—not just as places to socialize, but as centers of community.

Our hearts are with Vicky’s family, especially her wife Ashley, and the entire team at Babes. We share in their grief with deep gratitude for all Vicky gave to Richmond. Let us honor her legacy by building the kind of community she so deeply believed in." James Millner, Virginia Pride's director

Side By Side Virginia, a nonprofit that works with LGBTQ+ youth, posted the following statement on Instagram:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Vicky Hester, owner of Babes of Carytown and a true legend in Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community.

Vicky created more than just a space. She built a home where countless people could feel safe, celebrated, and loved. Her strength, generosity, and unwavering support for LGBTQ+ youth and Side by Side will never be forgotten.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the community she nurtured. Our hearts are with her loved ones and all who called Babes home." Side By Side Virginia