Richard Cohen, Husband of Former TODAY Anchor Meredith Vieira, Dies at 76
A Life of Resilience and Advocacy
Richard Cohen, the husband of former TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76. Cohen lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years and survived a pair of cancer diagnoses. He and Vieira were married for 38 years and had three children together.
A Career in Journalism
Cohen was a veteran journalist who worked for CBS News. He was also diagnosed with MS at a young age. In 2018, he appeared on TODAY with Vieira, sharing his story and speaking about his diagnosis.
“I was diagnosed when I was 25 years old and essentially told there is no hope,” he said.
“Diagnosed and adios. Nothing much we can do,” he added.
A Life of Advocacy
Cohen wrote multiple books about his health and spoke out for people living with chronic illness. He believed that people should be open and honest about their health struggles.
“I think too many people stay closed and don’t tell the truth,” he said on TODAY in 2014.
A Personal Story
Cohen told Vieira about his diagnosis on their second date. She recalled that moment, saying, “I’ve always been of the school of thought that you could get hit by a bus the next day, any one of us could. It certainly wasn’t enough to scare me off.”
The Couple’s Life Together
Cohen and Vieira had three children together, sons Ben and Gabe, and daughter Lily. When Vieira left TODAY in 2011, she said she wanted to spend more time with Cohen and their kids.
“Time is one of those weird things. You can never get enough of it, and it just keeps ticking away. And I know that I want to spend more of mine with my husband, Richard, and my kids,” she said.
Conclusion
Richard Cohen’s life was a testament to his resilience and advocacy. Despite living with multiple sclerosis and surviving cancer, he continued to share his story and inspire others. His love for his family and his commitment to living life to the fullest will be remembered by those who knew him.
FAQs
Q: How old was Richard Cohen when he passed away?
A: Richard Cohen passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76.
Q: How long did Richard Cohen live with multiple sclerosis?
A: Richard Cohen lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years.
Q: What was Richard Cohen’s career?
A: Richard Cohen was a veteran journalist who worked for CBS News.
Q: How long was Richard Cohen married to Meredith Vieira?
A: Richard Cohen was married to Meredith Vieira for 38 years.
Q: What was Richard Cohen’s message to people living with chronic illness?
A: Richard Cohen believed that people should be open and honest about their health struggles, saying, “I think too many people stay closed and don’t tell the truth.”
