Cokie Roberts, renowned for her work in journalism, best-selling books, and on-air political commentary died on Tuesday at the age of 75.
Roberts worked for decades as a sharp-witted journalist and analyst whose work appeared on ABC News, PBS, NPR, and many other outlets. Roberts was the recipient of dozens of awards and a member of the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. The Library of Congress referred to her as a “living legend,” and she often appears on lists recognizing the top women in broadcast journalism.
A family statement confirmed Roberts’ death on Tuesday. “We will miss Cokie beyond measure, both for her contributions and for her love and kindness,” the statement said.
Roberts is survived by her husband Steven V. Roberts, whom she married in 1966 and with whom she had two children and six grandchildren.
“Cokie Roberts will be dearly missed,” president of ABC News James Goldston said in a statement. “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 also said Roberts was “a true pioneer for women in journalism” and that she was “well-regarded for her insightful analysis of politics and policy in Washington, D.C., countless newsmaking interviews, and, notably, her unwavering support for generations of young women — and men — who would follow in her footsteps.”
Roberts most recently appeared on This Week with George Stephanopoulos as a regular analyst and as a commentator on NPR. She previously hosted This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts from 1996 to 2002.
Roberts was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 but was successfully treated for the disease. Her death was due to complications from a recurrence of cancer. Roberts was preceded in death by both of her siblings, Thomas Boggs Jr., a lobbyist, and her sister Barbara Boggs Sigmund, who once served as mayor of Princeton, New Jersey.
