Richard Cohen, a distinguished journalist and the beloved husband of Meredith Vieira, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76. His remarkable life was marked by resilience, humor, and an unwavering commitment to his family despite living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 50 years and surviving two battles with cancer. His passing was announced on The Today Show on January 7, with hosts reflecting on the immense love that surrounded him during his final moments.
A Life Marked by Courage and Devotion
Richard Cohen’s life was anything but ordinary. Diagnosed with MS at the age of 25, Cohen’s journey was one of courage and perseverance. His career as a journalist took him to CBS News, where he built a reputation for hard-hitting reporting. Despite the relentless progression of his illness, Cohen continued to advocate for those living with chronic conditions, often using his own experiences to bring awareness to the broader public.
His marriage to Meredith Vieira, which lasted 38 years, was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Vieira, known for her work on The View, Today, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, stood by Cohen’s side from the beginning. In an interview, Cohen recalled telling Vieira about his illness on their second date. “I told her about the illness, because I sort of learned the hard way to get it on the table,” he shared. Vieira’s response was unwavering. “It certainly wasn’t enough to scare me off,” she said.
The couple’s bond only strengthened over the years, with Vieira stepping back from her career at times to prioritize Cohen’s health and their three children – Benjamin (36), Gabriel (34), and Lily (32). Family was at the heart of Cohen’s life, and his unwavering love for them shaped his journey through illness and recovery.
A Career of Purpose and Impact
Richard Cohen’s journalistic career spanned decades, and he left an indelible mark on the industry. After beginning his career as a producer and writer, Cohen quickly rose through the ranks, covering major stories for CBS News. However, his career path took a turn when MS began to impact his mobility and vision. Undeterred, Cohen redirected his focus toward advocacy and writing.
His memoir, Chasing Hope: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and the Future, offered a raw and honest account of living with chronic illness. In the book, Cohen wrote, “Chronic illness is a family affair. Spouses have the burden of tending to the needs of a loved one, even when they would secretly rather push him out a window.” This candid humor, even in the face of hardship, became a hallmark of his writing and public appearances.
Meredith Vieira’s Unwavering Support
Meredith Vieira, now 71, has been a steadfast pillar of strength throughout Cohen’s health battles. Vieira’s estimated net worth stands at $45 million, accumulated from her illustrious career in broadcasting and television. But despite her success, Vieira often emphasized that family came first. In 2011, Vieira stepped away from her role on Today to spend more time with Cohen and their children.
Reflecting on her decision, Vieira said, “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.” Her commitment to Cohen and their family was unwavering, demonstrating the depth of their bond.
A Family’s Love and Strength
In his final weeks, Cohen was surrounded by his family. During Thanksgiving, his children and Vieira gathered, worried that they might lose him. However, as Today anchor Hoda Kotb shared, they were gifted with a “glorious month” with Cohen, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Savannah Guthrie reflected on the couple’s relationship, describing them as “fun, entertaining, irreverent, and cool.” Cohen and Vieira’s relationship was built on mutual respect, humor, and an unbreakable connection, qualities that were evident to those around them.
Overcoming the Odds
Cohen’s resilience in the face of adversity was remarkable. In addition to MS, Cohen battled colon cancer twice and survived a life-threatening blood clot in his lung. Despite these health challenges, he never lost his hope for the future. “I want to have a long-term relationship with hope. I really do,” Cohen wrote in Chasing Hope.
His words served as an inspiration not only to those battling chronic illnesses but to anyone facing life’s difficulties. Cohen’s belief in the power of hope and perseverance left a lasting impact on his readers and those who followed his journey.
A Legacy of Love and Advocacy
Richard Cohen’s legacy lives on through his family, his writing, and the countless lives he touched through his advocacy. His openness about the realities of living with MS helped destigmatize chronic illness and encouraged others to speak out about their experiences.
For Vieira, his passing marks the end of a deeply personal chapter. However, the love and memories they shared remain, a testament to their enduring bond. Vieira’s resilience and dedication to their family reflect the strength that defined their relationship.
As Cohen once wrote, “Perhaps I need a lot [of hope].” His life was a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, hope, love, and laughter can light the way forward. Richard Cohen’s story is not just one of illness but of an extraordinary life lived with passion, humor, and unwavering hope.
