Richard Cohen, a revered journalist, author, and advocate, passed away on Christmas Eve at age of 76. Best known as husband of celebrated broadcaster Meredith Vieira, Cohen lived a life defined by courage, humor, and unwavering hope, despite decades of battling multiple sclerosis (MS) and surviving two bouts of colon cancer. His passing was announced on Today Show on January 7, with hosts reflecting on love and strength that surrounded him in his final days.
A Life of Courage and Devotion
Diagnosed with MS at just 25, Richard Cohen’s life was a testament to resilience. Despite progressive impact of disease, Cohen carved out a successful career in journalism. He began at CBS News, where he gained recognition for his incisive reporting, and later transitioned into advocacy and writing as his health challenges grew.
Cohen’s marriage to Meredith Vieira, which lasted 38 years, became a cornerstone of his remarkable journey. From beginning, Vieira stood by his side, embodying unwavering support and partnership. Cohen often shared story of how he disclosed his diagnosis to Vieira on their second date, emphasizing honesty in their relationship. Vieira’s response was resolute: “It certainly wasn’t enough to scare me off.”
| Key Details | Information |
| Birth Year | 1948 |
| Age at Passing | 76 |
| Diagnosis | Multiple Sclerosis at age 25; survived two bouts of colon cancer |
| Marriage to Meredith Vieira | 38 years |
| Children | Benjamin (36), Gabriel (34), Lily (32) |
A Career of Purpose and Advocacy
Richard Cohen’s career began in journalism, where he built a reputation as a skilled producer and writer at CBS News. When his health began to limit his mobility and vision, Cohen shifted his focus to advocacy and chronicling his personal experiences with illness.
His memoir, Chasing Hope: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and Future, became a powerful voice for those living with chronic conditions. Cohen’s candid humor shone through even in his darkest moments, exemplified by his observation, “Chronic illness is a family affair. Spouses have burden of tending to needs of a loved one, even when they would secretly rather push him out a window.”
Cohen’s work encouraged awareness, empathy, and action, making his impact extend far beyond his personal battles.
| Career Highlights | Details |
| Journalistic Career | Producer and writer at CBS News |
| Authorship | Chasing Hope: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and Future |
| Advocacy Focus | Raising awareness about MS and chronic illness |
Meredith Vieira’s Unwavering Support
Meredith Vieira, now 71, stood by Cohen through every challenge. With an estimated net worth of $45 million from her illustrious career in broadcasting, Vieira balanced her professional success with her role as a wife and mother.
In 2011, Vieira made headlines when she stepped away from her role on Today to spend more time with Cohen and their three children. Reflecting on her decision, she said, “Time is one of those weird things. You can never get enough of it, and it just keeps ticking away. I know that I want to spend more of mine with my husband, Richard, and my kids.”
Vieira’s strength and devotion became an integral part of Cohen’s story, embodying depth of their bond and shared resilience.
| Category | Details |
| Meredith Vieira’s Age | 71 |
| Vieira’s Career Highlights | View, Today, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire |
| Family Priority | Stepped away from Today in 2011 to focus on family |
A Family’s Strength
Cohen and Vieira’s three children, Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily, were central to his life. family’s love and strength became evident in his final weeks. Over Thanksgiving, his children and Vieira gathered around him, bracing for possibility of his passing. However, as Today anchor Hoda Kotb noted, they were blessed with a “glorious month” filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
| Family Details | Information |
| Children | Benjamin (36), Gabriel (34), Lily (32) |
| Final Moments | Surrounded by family over Thanksgiving and Christmas |
Overcoming Adversity with Resilience
In addition to MS, Cohen faced and survived two battles with colon cancer and a life-threatening blood clot in his lung. Despite these challenges, his commitment to hope and resilience never wavered. In Chasing Hope, Cohen wrote, “I want to have a long-term relationship with hope. I really do.”
His words resonated with countless readers and inspired those navigating their own struggles.
| Health Challenges | Details |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Diagnosed at age 25 |
| Colon Cancer | Survived two battles |
| Blood Clot | Survived a life-threatening pulmonary embolism |
A Legacy of Love and Advocacy
Richard Cohen’s legacy is defined by his love for family, his advocacy for those living with chronic illnesses, and his ability to face adversity with humor and hope. His openness about his journey helped destigmatize illness and inspired others to approach their own challenges with courage.
Vieira, along with their children, now carries forward his memory, honoring life of a man who touched so many lives. As Savannah Guthrie reflected, Cohen and Vieira’s relationship was “fun, entertaining, irreverent, and cool,” embodying love and laughter that defined their partnership.
| Legacy Highlights | Details |
| Advocacy Impact | Raised awareness for MS and chronic illness |
| Family Dedication | Deep love and connection with Vieira and their children |
| Memorial Reflections | Remembered for his humor, hope, and resilience |
Conclusion
Remembering Richard Cohen: A Life of Resilience, Love, and Hope celebrates a life well-lived, despite immense challenges. From his storied career in journalism to his heartfelt advocacy and enduring partnership with Meredith Vieira, Cohen’s story inspires resilience, love, and hope.
As Cohen once wrote, “Perhaps I need a lot [of hope].” His journey reminds us all of power of hope, love, and laughter in face of adversity.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information about Richard Cohen’s life and legacy. Details about his health and personal life are subject to updates, and this content does not constitute official statements or endorsements.
