Legendary Broadcast Journalist Cokie Roberts Passes Away At 75

Veteran journalist and broadcast trailblazer Cokie Roberts sadly passed away on Tuesday, September 17 at the age of 75.

The former political commentator died due to complications from breast cancer, according to ABC News. James Goldston, the president of the network, shared a statement confirming the news on Tuesday morning.

“Our dear friend and colleague Cokie Roberts passed away this morning in Washington, surrounded by her family and closest friends. Cokie had a storied career over 40 years in television, public radio and publishing,” he shared.

Her family released a statement confirming her cause of death and expressed their sadness in losing such a wonderful woman. “We will miss Cokie beyond measure, both for her contributions and for her love and kindness,” they shared.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama also shared a statement following Roberts’ death and remarked on her incredible career.

“Michelle and I are sad to hear about the passing of Cokie Roberts. She was a trailblazing figure; a role model to young women at a time when the profession was still dominated by men; a constant over forty years of a shifting media landscape and changing world, informing voters about the issues of our time and mentoring young journalists every step of the way,” he said.

She was born in 1943 as Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne (Boggs) Roberts to former Congresswoman and ambassador Lindy Boggs and Hale Boggs, a Democratic Congressman who was also Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.

Roberts worked at both CBS Radio and National Public Radio before beginning her career at ABC with This Week With David Brinkley. She then became an analyst while anchoring This Week With Sam Donaldson from 1996 to 2002. She was also an analyst for This Week With George Stephanopoulos and wrote a number of best-selling books over the course of her career.

Roberts is survived by her husband of 53 years, Steven Roberts, as well as her children — Lee and Rebecca — as well as her grandchildren — Regan, Hale Cecilia, Claiborne, Jack, and Roland. Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family during this difficult time.