Richard Cohen’s Passing Leaves Meredith Vieira Devastated – See What She Said Weeks Ago!

Richard Cohen, a celebrated CBS News journalist and husband to former Today anchor Meredith Vieira, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76. His life was a testament to resilience, having battled multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years.

The heartbreaking news was shared on Tuesday during the Today show. “Cohen died surrounded by his family and love,” co-anchor Hoda Kotb announced.

A Family’s Final Month Together

Savannah Guthrie, another Today co-anchor, highlighted the strength of Cohen’s wife, Meredith Vieira, during this challenging time. “She was in really good spirits,” Guthrie shared. “She was such a beautiful and devoted wife to Richard, and he adored Meredith.”

The couple was described as lively and charismatic. Guthrie recalled, “Hanging out with them, they were like the most fun and entertaining, irreverent, cool couple you could hang out with.”

Kotb revealed that Cohen and his family, including their three children—Lily, 32; Gabriel, 34; and Benjamin, 36—shared a poignant Thanksgiving together. “The family was concerned they were going to lose him early. Instead, they got a glorious month with their dad,” she said.

A Life Marked by Challenges

Richard Cohen was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just 25 years old, a moment he later described as shattering. “I was diagnosed when I was 25 years old and essentially told there is no hope,” Cohen shared during a 2018 Today appearance with Vieira. “Diagnosed and adios. Nothing much we can do.”

Multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease impacting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, gradually left Cohen legally blind later in life. Yet, his diagnosis didn’t deter his honesty or his pursuit of love. He disclosed his illness to Vieira during their second date.

“I sort of learned the hard way to get it on the table,” he told Yahoo Life in 2019. Vieira remembered the moment with unwavering commitment. “I’ve always been of the school of thought that you could get hit by a bus the next day, any one of us could,” she said. “It certainly wasn’t enough to scare me off.”

Marriage, Parenthood, and Perseverance

The couple married in June 1986, building a life filled with love and laughter alongside their three children. But Cohen’s health battles didn’t end with multiple sclerosis. Over the years, he survived two bouts of colon cancer and a blood clot in his lung.

Despite these challenges, Cohen remained hopeful. In his 2018 memoir, Chasing Hope: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and the Future, he reflected on his evolving relationship with hope.

“I want to have a long-term relationship with hope,” he wrote. “Making that intimate connection is a challenge. For many years, I pushed hope aside, labeling it a crutch… Perhaps I need a lot.”

A Legacy of Courage and Love

Richard Cohen’s life was one of grit, love, and unyielding hope. His enduring relationship with Vieira and their family exemplifies a bond that withstood life’s trials.

Cohen is survived by his wife, Meredith Vieira, and their children. His story inspires countless others to chase hope even amid adversity, leaving a legacy that goes beyond journalism—a legacy of resilience and love.