Richard Cohen, an acclaimed journalist and husband of television host Meredith Vieira, passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, after a two-month battle with pneumonia. He was 76.
Deadline reported that Cohen, remembered for his extraordinary resilience in the face of illness, lived with multiple sclerosis for more than fifty years and twice battled colon cancer.
Born on February 14, 1948, Richard Cohen began his life on Long Island, New York. His journey as a journalist took him far and wide, leading to a respected career at major news outlets.
Despite being legally blind due to his long struggle with multiple sclerosis, diagnosed at the age of 25, his passion for reporting never waned.
Cohen's career as a senior producer for both CNN and CBS News was decorated with recognition. He achieved the pinnacle of professional success, earning three prestigious Emmy Awards for his outstanding contributions to CBS News.
Despite his health challenges, Richard defied odds with his unyielding determination. He survived two bouts with colon cancer, first in 1999 and again in 2000. This fight against the disease became a significant chapter in his personal and professional narrative.
In 2005, Cohen authored a memoir titled Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness: A Reluctant Memoir. In this work, he candidly shared his experiences living bravely with chronic illness and how he transcended challenges.
Cohen and Meredith Vieira married in 1986, and their union was blessed with three children, Ben, Gabe, and Lily, who respectively are now 36, 34, and 32. Their family shared a poignant month together leading up to Cohen's passing, as Ben, Gabe, and Lily stayed with their parents since Thanksgiving 2024.
Reflecting on this precious time, Hoda Kotb explained that Cohen had the privilege of spending his last days "surrounded by his family and love." This gathering gave the family cherished moments with him during a particularly difficult period.
News of Cohen's passing was shared on December 25 on NBC’s Today and ABC's The View, aligning with Meredith Vieira's wish for both networks to carry the announcement. Meredith, as an original host of The View, considered these platforms deeply personal.
Echoing sentiments about his indomitable spirit, Joy Behar on The View cited Vieira's poignant reflections: "The date of his passing was fitting, because he came into this world on Valentine's Day," adding that passing on Christmas Eve carried a "perfect symmetry."
Throughout his life, Cohen remained vigilant not to let illness overshadow his identity. Joy Behar reiterated this, remarking that Cohen "never let illness control or define his life," and he thrived as a "renaissance man" excelling as an accomplished journalist and uninhibited conversationalist.
Vieira, who shared her life on broadcast platforms, often humorously included anecdotes of their marriage. Behar humorously noted that Cohen adapted to Vieira’s openness at the “Hot Topics table,” where she liberally shared insights into their private life.
Savannah Guthrie, offering insights on Vieira’s state post-loss, praised her steadfastness, stating that she remains "in really good spirits" and "was such a beautiful and devoted wife to Richard." Cohen's adoration for Vieira, as Guthrie mentioned, underscored a mutual respect and heartfelt connection.
The couple's endurance through life's trials reflected in their family values and public personas. Friends and colleagues have continuously lauded Cohen’s strength and legacy, acknowledging how his journey inspired many.
His life's story, punctuated by personal victories and stoic acceptance of adversities, serves as a beacon for resilience. Richard Cohen's legacy in journalism and as a loving patriarch carries an enduring impact.
