Say
Goodbye
The Goodbye Line is a public art project that invites people to say the goodbyes they never got to say.
How it Works
Anyone can call—a phone line open 24/7—and leave an anonymous voicemail. Some speak through tears. Others sing. Some messages are poetic; others, simple and spare. Together, they form a growing archive of human experience—reminders of how much we carry, and how rarely we’re given space to share it.
Messages come from people grieving a parent, a pet, leaving a relationship behind or a version of themselves. Some call to honor strangers. Others just need to hear their own voice saying something true.
In a time when so much feels fractured, The Goodbye Line aims to create public intimacy.
At its core, this is a project about letting go. But it’s also about what remains: our voices, our memories, and the way loss—when witnessed—can connect us. The Goodbye Line reminds us that grief isn’t just a private expression. It’s a shared human experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Goodbye Line is a free, community art project where you can say the goodbyes you never got to. It’s a space for expression, reflection, and honoring the hard work of letting go.
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You call the line and leave a message — it’s yours to shape however you need. You’re welcome to call as often as you want.
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You can call from any phone—mobile, landline, or payphone. The line is open 24/7. While we feature payphones when we find them, the project is not limited to them.
If you spot a working payphone you think we should know about, feel free to reach out—we’re always looking.
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You can call from anywhere in the world. The toll-free number may not connect outside the U.S., however, calls placed through WhatsApp or similar apps usually work. Just remember to include the U.S. country code while dialing.
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The primary purpose of The Goodbye Line is to give people a space to express themselves.
By leaving a message, you add it to the project’s archive. On occasion, a small number of messages may be shared anonymously—with extreme discretion and care—through art, storytelling projects, social media, and community installations, as a way to remind others they’re not alone.
If you don’t want your message shared, simply say so in your recording. We respect all requests for privacy.
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Yes. You don’t need to give your name unless you want to.
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We sometimes share messages in exhibits, online, and may include them in future art or storytelling projects related to The Goodbye Line community.
We will never sell or commercialize your words.
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We receive thousands of calls, far more than we could ever share. Only a small number of messages are featured publicly, and selection isn’t a measure of importance or impact. Every message matters, whether it’s shared or remains private.
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Messages left on The Goodbye Line may not be reused, adapted, or incorporated into other works (including music, film, or writing).
These messages belong to the people who shared them—and to this project, which exists to hold them with care. They were offered in a spirit of vulnerability and trust.
Reusing them outside that context isn’t just a legal issue—it’s an ethical one.
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Messages shared through The Goodbye Line may touch on grief, loss, and other sensitive topics. Please take care when listening.
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No — The Goodbye Line is not a crisis or counseling service.
If you are in immediate need of help, please contact a crisis line in your area.
