Legendary Journalist Cokie Roberts Dies at 75

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Legendary ABC News journalist and political commentator Cokie Roberts has died from complications arising from breast cancer. She was 75.

"Our dear friend and colleague Cokie Roberts passed away this morning in Washington, surrounded by her family and closest friends," ABC News President James Goldston said in a statement.

"She will be dearly missed. 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," Goldston said.

"We will miss Cokie beyond measure, both for her contributions and for her love and kindness," her family said in a statement about Roberts' passing.

Roberts is best known as a journalist who, along with her husband and fellow journalist, Steven Roberts, wrote a weekly column that was published in newspapers across the country. She was also a best-selling author, who wrote eight books and was a regular contributor to ABC's This Week With George Stephanopoulos. Roberts began her career as a senior news analyst for NPR, where she worked as their congressional correspondent for more than ten years. She went on to serve as the co-anchor for This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts until 2002, the same year she was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent successful treatment at the time.

Recently, she acknowledge some health issues after a recent "This Week" appearance.

"Over the summer, I have had some health issues which required treatment that caused weight loss. I am doing fine," she said in a statement. "I very much appreciate the kind comments I have received and expect to be, as I have been, working away in the days and months to come, covering what promises to be a fascinating election. I am grateful to everyone who has been in touch and sent their well wishes. Thanks for caring."

Roberts had a distinguished career, winning dozens of awards, including three Emmys through her career and was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. In 2000, Roberts won the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Roberts is survived by her husband, Steven, her children, Lee and Rebecca, and six grandchildren.

Photo: Getty Images


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