Richard Cohen, the beloved husband of former Today anchor Meredith Vieira, passed away at the age of 76 on Christmas Eve.
His death followed a long battle with pneumonia, marking the end of a remarkable life that saw him triumph over cancer twice and endure multiple sclerosis for more than fifty years.
A Lasting Legacy of Family and Love
The Today show shared the news of his passing on Tuesday morning, with Hoda Kotb offering comforting words.
She shared that Richard was surrounded by his family, receiving the love and support of those closest to him in his final moments.
Meredith, who had been by his side throughout their 39 years of marriage, was reportedly in good spirits despite the loss.
Their children, Ben (36), Gabe (34), and Lily (32), had all been with them since Thanksgiving, which brought them the gift of a cherished month together before Richard’s passing.
Hoda noted that the family had been prepared for an earlier goodbye but was grateful for the extra time spent with him.
A Life of Accomplishments
Richard was much more than just Meredith’s husband; he was an accomplished journalist, TV producer, and author.
His career spanned major networks like CNN and CBS News, where he served as a senior producer.
He also contributed health and fitness columns to The New York Times, sharing his knowledge and experiences with the world.
His personal battle with multiple sclerosis began when he was just 25, and he was open about the struggles he faced.
In a previous interview, he shared how symptoms like numbness and sudden falls led him to realize something was wrong.
Despite the physical challenges, Richard maintained an active lifestyle and continued to push through life’s obstacles, living in denial for years before finally accepting his condition.
Enduring Health Challenges
Along with MS, Richard faced the painful challenge of battling colon cancer twice, in 1999 and 2000, and he also lived with legal blindness.
Throughout these hardships, Richard wrote several books detailing his journey, offering inspiration to others navigating similar battles.
He shared the news of his MS diagnosis with Meredith on their first date, knowing it was important to be upfront.
His openness was met with understanding and support, setting the tone for their loving and enduring relationship.
Meredith’s Career and Legacy
Meredith Vieira, Richard’s devoted wife, is a beloved television personality who made a lasting mark on American TV.
Known for her role as a co-host on The Today Show from 2006 to 2011, Meredith also contributed to The View and hosted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for over a decade.
She launched The Meredith Vieira Show in 2014, which ran for two seasons before she took on her current role as the host of 25 Words or Less on Fox.
Meredith and Richard’s partnership was a testament to love, laughter, and resilience.
Savannah Guthrie described them as the “most fun and entertaining, irreverent, cool couple” to be around, a sentiment echoed by many who witnessed their bond over the years.
While Richard may no longer be with us, his legacy of strength, perseverance, and the love he shared with Meredith and their family will continue to inspire.
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