Richard Cohen, an esteemed journalist and husband to television personality Meredith Vieira, passed away at age 76 on Christmas Eve. Cohen, who had been battling multiple sclerosis for over five decades and had overcome cancer twice, died surrounded by his family in their home.
Cohen’s death was shared with the public by the “Today” show, where Vieira has been a long-standing contributor. According to the show, Cohen spent his final month in vibrant engagement with his loved ones, who feared they would lose him much earlier during the November Thanksgiving season.
Survived by Vieira and their three children, Lily, 32, Gabriel, 34, and Benjamin, 36, Cohen’s family remembers him as a fiercely loving patriarch and a continual source of strength and inspiration. Vieira, in a show of resilience, was reported to be in good spirits reflecting on the profound bond she shared with her husband. Their relationship was marked by mutual support and, notably, a shared sense of humor that helped them navigate the complexities of Cohen’s health issues.
The couple, married since 1986, approached life with a philosophy of openness and honesty right from the start. On just their second date, Cohen disclosed his MS diagnosis to Vieira, a moment he described in a 2019 interview with Yahoo Life as crucial for setting the tone of transparency and bravery that would define their relationship.
Vieira’s own career was significantly shaped by her husband’s health struggles. An original co-host on “The View” and later a co-anchor on “Today,” Vieira left her prominent roles in broadcast journalism in 2011 to focus more on her family and support Cohen. Her decision underscored the couple’s dedication to one another and their family, emphasizing the importance of time together over professional commitments.
Cohen did not let his diagnosis define him. Alongside his career in journalism, particularly noted for his time at CBS News, he became an advocate for those living with MS, using his platform to increase awareness and understanding of the disease. In his 2018 memoir, “Chasing Hope: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and the Future,” he explored the interconnectedness of hope, medical advancement, and the daily realities of those living with chronic illnesses, highlighting the collective journey of patients and their families.
Despite living with a condition that progressively impaired his neurological function, Cohen’s resolve to find hope was unwavering. He spent his later years not only fighting his ailments but also exploring and writing about new scientific developments in stem cell research and other potential treatments, always maintaining a cautious optimism.
Tributes to Cohen have highlighted not just his achievements in journalism and advocacy but also his role as a loving and dedicated family man, capable of great humor and depth in the face of adversity. His story stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope and familial love in confronting life’s greatest challenges.
Cohen leaves behind a legacy of courage, a profound testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the unyielding bonds of family. His life and work continue to inspire those affected by MS and other chronic conditions, echoing his belief in the possibility of a brighter future amid personal trials.