Richard Cohen, Emmy Winning Journalist and Husband of Meredith Vieira, Dies at 76

Richard Cohen, an award-winning journalist and the husband of former Today show host Meredith Vieira, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76. His death followed a two-month battle with pneumonia, confirmed by Vieira’s representative, Michael Gantz.

Cohen, who had lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 50 years and had survived two bouts of cancer, leaves behind a legacy as both a journalist and an advocate for individuals with chronic illnesses.

A Distinguished Career in Journalism

Cohen’s career in journalism spanned decades and earned him three Emmy Awards. He began at CBS News, later moving to CNN, and also contributed to PBS and ABC. Beyond broadcasting, he wrote a health column for The New York Times and authored several books, including one chronicling his personal health battles.

Cohen’s work extended to raising awareness about chronic illnesses. His book spotlighting individuals dealing with such conditions resonated with many readers.

A Legacy of Resilience and Advocacy

Diagnosed with MS in his early 20s, Cohen faced significant health challenges throughout his life. MS is a chronic condition that damages the protective covering of nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, difficulty walking, and vision problems. Despite being legally blind due to MS, Cohen remained remarkably optimistic.

“You don’t have to be controlled by it,” Cohen said in a 2019 interview with Yahoo Life. He credited his positive outlook to his relationship with Vieira and their three children: Benjamin (36), Gabriel (34), and Lily (32).

Cohen was open about his illness from the start of his relationship with Vieira, revealing it on their second date. “She really didn’t blink,” he once shared, praising her support.

Vieira and Cohen: A Partnership of Strength

Vieira and Cohen were married for nearly 40 years, and their relationship was a testament to mutual support and resilience. In 2011, Vieira stepped down from her role on Today to spend more time with Cohen and their family.

“Time is one of those weird things. You can never get enough of it, and it just keeps ticking away,” Vieira told Today audiences at the time.

Accolades and Contributions

Cohen’s career extended beyond journalism into advocacy and education. Among his many accolades:

• An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Sinai Hospital School of Medicine.
• The 2009 AARP Inspire Award for his work raising awareness about chronic illness.
• A founding seat on the advisory council of the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center.

A Lasting Impact

Cohen’s life and career were defined not only by professional success but by his ability to turn personal challenges into opportunities for education and advocacy. He championed openness about chronic illness, saying in a 2014 Today interview:

“I think too many people stay closed and don’t tell the truth.”

His passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to journalism, family, and advocacy, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration.