• Home
  • Mail
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Search
  • Mobile
  • More
Yahoo
    • Skip to Navigation
    • Skip to Main Content
    • Skip to Related Content
    • Mail
    Entertainment Home
    Follow Us
    • The It List
    • TV
    • Movies
    • Celebrity
    • Music
    • Live Celeb Chats
    • Videos

    Cokie Roberts has died at age 75: 'A true pioneer for women in journalism'

    Erin Donnelly
    Yahoo CelebritySeptember 17, 2019
    Reblog
    Share
    Tweet
    Share
    Walt Disney Television via Getty Images NEWS - Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos leads coverage of the inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump with David Muir, Robin Roberts, Martha Raddatz, Byron Pitts, Jonathan Karl, Matthew Dowd and more from Washington, D.C. with a special edition of Good Morning America at 7:00 a.m. EST and continuing coverage through 4:00 p.m. EST on the Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Television Network. (Photo by Heidi Gutman/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) COKIE ROBERTS
    View photos
    Veteran journalist Cokie Roberts has died at age 75. (Photo: Heidi Gutman/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)

    Veteran journalist Cokie Roberts died Sept. 17 due to complications from breast cancer, ABC News President James Goldston confirmed in a statement. Roberts was 75 and had previously survived a bout with breast cancer after originally being diagnosed in 2002.

    Goldston hailed Roberts as a “true pioneer for women in journalism,” noting her “storied career” which included work for CBS, NPR and ABC News. Among her career highlights is her work as co-anchor of This Week with Sam Donaldson from 1996 to 2002, continuing on as a regular panelist under the Sunday morning news program’s current iteration hosted by George Stephanopoulos.

    Roberts was best known for her work as an analyst and anchor at NPR and ABC. (Photo: ABC Photo Archives)
    View photos
    Roberts was best known for her work as an analyst and anchor at NPR and ABC. (Photo: ABC Photo Archives)

    Born Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Boggs to Lindy and Hale Boggs — both of whom served in Congress — Roberts was also an accomplished author, publishing six books as well as teaming up with husband and fellow journalist Steve Roberts to write a weekly syndicated newspaper column. The couple were parents to two children, Lee and Rebecca, and had six grandchildren.

    “She will be dearly missed,” Goldston wrote. “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. Please take a moment today to remember an exceptional reporter and remarkable friend.”

    The statement included a message from Roberts’s family, who called her “first and foremost a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin and friend.”

    “Cokie’s career as a journalist at National Public Radio and ABC News took her to the heights of her profession, and her success as an author on history and family put her on the bestseller list,” her loved ones wrote. “But her values put family and relationships above all else.”

    They continued, “We will miss Cokie beyond measure, both for her contributions and for her love and kindness.”

    The journalism community is now sharing tributes to Roberts. Speaking on Good Morning America, Stephanopoulos called her a “fixture” and “pioneer.” Donaldson also discussed her New Orleans roots in a video memorial for ABC News.

    .@GStephanopoulos on his late friend and colleague Cokie Roberts: "I was thinking how much I missed her just last Thursday at the debate...she was a fixture. She was a pioneer." https://t.co/q8uu3GAUe4 pic.twitter.com/IoSnn3SEjg

    — Good Morning America (@GMA) September 17, 2019

    My friend, my colleague, my hero Cokie Roberts has died.

    Brilliant. Brave. Kind. Hilarious. A fierce patriot.

    And one of the best human beings I have ever known. pic.twitter.com/nZfUBaf2OE

    — Terry Moran (@TerryMoran) September 17, 2019

    Mourning the passing of legendary @ABC correspondent Cokie Roberts, who passed away at the age of 75. She was a true pioneer of the business, and a revered colleague.

    — John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) September 17, 2019

    RIP Cokie Roberts, mentor, friend and one of my favorite people in the world.

    Cokie attended 22 national political conventions — that may be a record — I had the privilege of interviewing her on the floor of her last convention. pic.twitter.com/C2ulOSya7f

    — Jonathan Karl (@jonkarl) September 17, 2019

    So sorry to hear this news. Cokie was a fine person, even nicer in private than in public (though not without an acerbic wit when appropriate!). Condolences to Steve and the family. https://t.co/04Ad9QLeWZ

    — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) September 17, 2019

    RIP Cokie Roberts. You made us all better. Your brilliant mind, your sharp wit - and above all, your kind heart. pic.twitter.com/bu9wzFi9gb

    — David Muir (@DavidMuir) September 17, 2019

    Political leaders are also honoring Roberts, with former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush issuing statements alongside Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

    NEW: Former Pres. George W. Bush, Laura Bush on Cokie Roberts: "She covered us for decades as a talented, tough, and fair reporter. We respected her drive and appreciated her humor. She became a friend." https://t.co/v9bOBAllDM pic.twitter.com/IaxVd7HdsQ

    — ABC News (@ABC) September 17, 2019

    NEW: Former Pres. Barack Obama calls Cokie Roberts "a role model to young women at a time when the profession was still dominated by men."

    "She will be missed." https://t.co/v9bOBAllDM pic.twitter.com/E4eCTrxmJ8

    — ABC News (@ABC) September 17, 2019

    NEW: Speaker Nancy Pelosi: "Cokie Roberts was a trailblazer who forever transformed the role of women in the newsroom and in our history books...inspiring countless young women and girls to follow in her groundbreaking footsteps.” https://t.co/v9bOBAllDM pic.twitter.com/yxSw1gpDIV

    — ABC News (@ABC) September 17, 2019

    Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

    • Beyoncé's 'Making the Gift' special reveals rare videos of Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir Carter

    • 'Masked Singer' introduces characters and unveils first set of clues for Season 2

    • James Corden shuts down Bill Maher for controversial 'fat shaming' comments

    Reblog
    Share
    Tweet
    Share

    What to Read Next

    • Blake Shelton Jokes He ‘Was a Jerk’ Before He Started Dating Gwen Stefani

      People
    • Codeine, 41 bags of marijuana found in luggage when rapper Juice WRLD collapsed: Report

      Yahoo Celebrity
    • Who’s the Man Who Slapped a Reporter in Georgia Live on Air?

      Inside Edition CBS
    • Elizabeth Hurley Names Matthew McConaughey as Her Best On-Screen Kiss

      Entertainment Tonight
    • 'Star Wars' actress Daisy Ridley under fire for denying she has 'privilege,' comparing herself to co-star John Boyega

      Yahoo Celebrity
    • Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dead at 61

      Yahoo Music
    • Warner Bros. says newspaper out to 'malign' Richard Jewell by requesting  disclaimer for female reporter

      Entertainment Weekly
    • Shania Twain Wasn't Joking About Post Malone Collab — but 'If He Doesn't Want It, No Problem'

      People
    • Incredible Footage Shows Python, Honey Badger and a Pair of Jackals Viciously Fighting in Botswana

      People
    • 'Bachelorette' star J.P. Rosenbaum diagnosed with rare autoimmune disorder

      Yahoo Celebrity
    • Jillian Michaels warns of 'glamorizing' obesity: 'We’re politically correct to the point of endangering people'

      Yahoo Celebrity
    • Pregnant Ala. Mom Is Killed in Front of Her Kids in Grocery Store: 'Beautiful Soul, Inside and Out'

      People
    • Clint Eastwood & Warner Bros Threatened With ‘Richard Jewell’ Defamation Suit From Atlanta Newspaper

      Deadline
    • Jinger Duggar Surprises Her Family With a New Hairdo! (Exclusive)

      Entertainment Tonight Videos
    • Amid flurry of Saudi reforms, mocktails on order in execution square

      Reuters
    • Khloe Kardashian Reveals Kendall and Kylie Jenner Have Different 'KUWTK' Contracts Than Their Sisters

      Entertainment Tonight

    Trump goes on a Twitter tantrum after Democrats announce 2 articles of impeachment against him

    Blue Falcon: Timothy Morrison, deputy assistant to Trump, told impeachment investigators that Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, informed top Ukrainian officials that both a coveted White House meeting and U.S. military aid were contingent on a public announcement about investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Further, Morrison testified that Sondland was acting on direct orders from Trump. “He related to me he was acting ― he was discussing these matters with the President,” -- Timothy Morrison said of Sondland in testimony released on November 16, 2019.

    Join the Conversation
    1 / 5

    216

    • Ryan Reynolds says he hired actress from viral Peloton ad because backlash can be 'alienating'

      Yahoo Celebrity
    • The Kardashian-Jenners' Go-To Dermatologist Reveals the Cosmetic Procedures Tons of Stars Are Doing

      People
    • Gwen Stefani Asks to 'Cut the Cameras' After Breaking Down in Tears During 'The Voice' Semifinals

      Entertainment Tonight
    • John Legend confesses to star contestant Katie Kadan: 'You deserve more than "The Voice"'

      Yahoo Music
    • Newlywed Virginia Couple Missing After Leaving Voicemail About Being Burned by New Zealand Volcano

      People
    • The right stuff: Donnie Wahlberg opens up about giving back, bad-boy image, and the 'greatest Christmas present' he gave Jenny McCarthy

      Yahoo Music
    • Nick Jonas Says Priyanka Chopra Is 'Jealous' His Brothers Got To Attend the 'Jumanji' Premiere (Exclusive)

      Entertainment Tonight
    • Ryan Reynolds Narrowly Escapes a Collapsing Barricade at Comic-Con Experience in Brazil

      People
    • James Comey Says the ‘Truth Is Finally Out’ About Trump and Russia With Release of DOJ Report

      The Wrap
    • Vanna White was 'very nervous' to host 'Wheel of Fortune' after Pat Sajak's emergency surgery

      Yahoo TV
    • Missing Newlyweds Found Suffering Severe Burns Following Desperate Search After Volcano Eruption

      People
    • Belgian boy wonder drops out of Dutch university at the age of 9

      Reuters
    • Khloé Kardashian Reveals What Happens to the Leftover Food from Her Family's Extravagant Parties

      People
    • General Mattis roasts Trump following 'overrated' comment

      Yahoo Entertainment
    • Prince Andrew Has 'Embarrassed the Family' and Friends Are Concerned for Princess Beatrice, Source Says

      Entertainment Tonight
    • Social Media Influencer Sentenced to 14 Years for Devising Plan to Steal Domain Name at Gunpoint

      People