Vicky Hester, owner of Babes of Carytown, has died: 'RVA has lost a legend'

Richmond mourns Babes of Carytown owner Vicky Hester

Richmond mourns loss of Babes of Carytown owner, LGBTQ+ trailblazer

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond is mourning the loss of a woman many recognize as a trailblazer in the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Vicky Hester, the longtime owner of Babes of Carytown, Virginia’s only lesbian bar, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Loved ones tell 8News she was 71 at the time of her death and that she leaves behind her wife, Ashley, and their dog, Charlie. Throughout the day, family, friends and patrons gathered outside Babes to lea…

Owner of Babes of Carytown, nation's second-oldest lesbian bar, has died

Vicky Hester, owner of the bar in Richmond, Virginia, was surrounded by loved ones at her death.

Vicky Hester, owner of popular lesbian bar Babe's of Carytown, dies at 71

Hester passed away after a long battle with cancer early Tuesday morning. She is survived by her wife, Ashley Rueger-Hester, and their dog, Charlie.

Vicky Hester, owner of Babes of Carytown, has died: 'RVA has lost a legend'

Vicky Hester, owner of Babes of Carytown, one of the nation's oldest lesbian bars, has died. The bar made the announcement to its Facebook page on Tuesday.

Vickie Hester, Owner of Babe’s of Carytown and LGBTQ+ Advocate, Dies at 71 🏳️‍🌈

Richmond lost more than a business owner this week. On September 2, 2025, Vicky Hester, the longtime owner of Babe’s of Carytown, passed away at age 71. For many, her death marks the end of an era. For nearly five decades, Hester kept the doors of one of the nation’s oldest lesbian bars open and in doing so, she helped hold a community together. According to bar staff, Hester passed away after a long battle with cancer early Tuesday morning. She…