Tucker Carlson shared the heartbreaking news on Wednesday that his father, Richard “Dick” Warner Carlson, had passed away at the age of 84.
The conservative podcaster posted on X, revealing that his father died on Monday at his home in Boca Grande, Florida, after battling a six-week illness.
Tucker described his father’s final moments with deep emotion, noting that Dick Carlson “refused all painkillers to the end” and passed away with “dignity and clarity.”
His family was by his side, with his children holding his hands and his beloved dogs at his feet during his last moments.
A Career in Diplomacy and Journalism
Dick Carlson had a notable career that spanned several roles, particularly in journalism and government.
He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Seychelles during the George H. W. Bush administration in the early 1990s.
Prior to this, he had served as the Director of Voice of America under President Ronald Reagan.
Despite his high-profile roles in government, Carlson’s life was marked by his deep roots in journalism, and he spent much of his career as a reporter.
An obituary shared by his son reflected on the mystery surrounding his later work.
For the final 25 years of his life, Dick was involved in work that his family never fully understood but knew to be “clearly interesting.”
This, however, never stopped him from staying connected to his sons.
Tucker and his brother saw their father nearly every day, with regular weekly lunches at the Metropolitan Club in Washington for thirty years, which always included a game of dice beforehand.
A Legacy of Love for Family and Dogs
Dick Carlson’s love for his family, particularly his sons, was clear.
He was a devoted father who valued time spent with his children and made it a priority to stay in touch with them regularly.
Tucker’s relationship with his father was formative, and he has often spoken about how Dick’s approach to life influenced him.
Dick was known for fostering fierce independence in his children, even putting them in uncomfortable or unconventional situations to teach them life lessons.
Tucker recalls how, from an early age, his father exposed him and his brother to the realities of his work, including a visit to a murder investigation and dinners with notable figures.
The elder Carlson was also a passionate lover of dogs, and his obituary noted that his affection for his canine companions was a constant throughout his life.
Tucker Carlson’s Childhood and Family Life
Tucker Carlson’s upbringing was unique, with a childhood marked by unconventional experiences.
Raised in Southern California, he was guided by his father, a journalist, and his heiress stepmother.
Carlson has previously discussed how his father’s presence in his life helped shape his worldview.
The biography Tucker by Chadwick Moore describes how Dick exposed his children to exciting and sometimes gritty parts of his work, ensuring they were well-informed and developed an appreciation for finer things, like food.
One of the most intriguing tales shared in the biography involves a Sunday dinner at the home of notorious mobster Eddie Cannizzaro, where the Carlson brothers were shown how to make pasta e fagioli.
Carlson’s father encouraged his children to experience life firsthand and grow independent by immersing them in diverse and often challenging environments.
The Personal Struggles and Divorce
Dick Carlson’s personal life was not without its struggles.
He went through a divorce in 1976, moving with his sons to San Diego and gaining full custody, citing his ex-wife’s struggles with substance abuse.
Tucker Carlson’s relationship with his mother, Lisa McNear Lombardi, was strained, and they were not in touch after she left the family when Tucker was just six years old.
Lisa passed away from cancer in 2011, and Carlson’s book explores how his mother’s abandonment affected him throughout his life.
Despite these hardships, Dick Carlson was a committed father who ensured that his sons were raised with the independence and values he believed were important.
A Father’s Influence and Farewell
Tucker Carlson’s reflections on his father’s passing highlight the profound impact Dick had on his life.
His father’s death marks the end of an era for Tucker, who shared that his father’s legacy lives on in the lessons he imparted and the way he shaped his children’s lives.
Dick Carlson’s death may have marked the end of a significant chapter for his family, but his influence, particularly on Tucker, remains an indelible part of his son’s journey.