Journalist Cokie Roberts dead at 75, ABC News says, citing family
Veteran journalist, political commentator and author Cokie Roberts has passed away at the age of 75, ABC News announces.
Cokie Roberts, the veteran journalist, political commentator and author, died Tuesday morning, ABC News announced, citing her family. She was 75.
"We will miss Cokie beyond measure, both for her contributions and for her love and kindness," her family said in a statement.
Roberts died from complications of breast cancer, according to her family.
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Roberts worked in television for over 40 years and was a frequent contributor to “This Week” with David Brinkley. She also served as ABC’s chief congressional analyst, anchored “This Week” alongside Sam Donaldson from 1996-2002 and started her career with high-profile jobs at NPR and CBS News.
ABC News broke into programming Tuesday morning to inform viewers of Roberts’ death.
ABC News president James Goldston sent a note to staffers Tuesday announcing that Roberts passed away, calling her a “true pioneer for women in journalism.”
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“Cokie was well-regarded for her insightful analysis of politics and policy in Washington, DC., countless newsmaking interviews, and, notably, her unwavering support for the generations of young women – and men – who would follow her in her footsteps,” Goldston wrote.
“She will be dearly missed. Cokie’s kindness, generosity, sharp intellect and thoughtful take on the big issues of the day made ABC a better place and all of us better journalists,” Goldston wrote. “Please take a moment today to remember an exceptional reporter and remarkable friend.”
Roberts won three Emmy awards and is a member of the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. She also published six books and “won every major award in journalism,” according to Goldston.
“Cokie was named one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting by the American Women in Radio and Television, and the Library of Congress declared her a ‘Living Legend’ in 2008, making her one of the very few Americans ever honored,” Goldston added.
ABC News president James Goldston called Cokie Roberts a “true pioneer for women in journalism.” (Getty Images) COKIE ROBERTS
Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and was successfully treated, according to ABC. At the time she told the Washington Post that she had “a healthy perspective on life” prior to being diagnosed.
"I have always cared more about family than my career. I lost my father at age 58 in a terrible accident and I lost my sister at age 51. So I didn’t need any extra perspective on life," she told the Post.
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Roberts’ father, former Democratic House majority leader Hale Boggs, died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1972. His seat was filled by Roberts’ mother, Lindy Boggs, who was named U.S. ambassador to the Holy See in 1997.
Roberts is survived by her husband of 53 years Steven V. Roberts, her children Lee Roberts and Rebecca Roberts, her grandchildren Regan, Hale and Cecilia Roberts and Claiborne, Jack and Roland Hartman, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, according to her family.
NPR News chief Nancy Barnes sent a memo to staffers and announced that a moment of silence would be held in the newsroom on Tuesday afternoon. NPR wrote that Roberts “helped shape the public broadcaster's sound and culture at a time when few women held prominent roles in journalism,” while the top names in media took to Twitter to pay respects.
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Fox News’ John Roberts called her “a true pioneer of the business, and a revered colleague,” while ABC News’ Terry Moran said she was “one of the best human beings I have ever known.”
“You made us all better. Your brilliant mind, your sharp wit - and above all, your kind heart,” ABC News anchor David Muir wrote.
MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough wrote, “I grew up loving her political analysis and insights into Washington. She will be terribly missed.”
Fox News’ Chris Irvine and Travis Fedschun contributed to this report.
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