Remembering Richard Cohen: Meredith Vieira’s Husband and Courageous Journalist
Meredith Vieira’s husband, Richard Cohen, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76 after a courageous 50-year battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) and surviving two bouts of cancer. His death marks the end of a remarkable journey for a man who faced unimaginable challenges but continued to inspire others with his strength and optimism.
Richard Cohen, a seasoned journalist known for his work at CBS News and other prestigious networks, was first diagnosed with MS at the age of 25. He once shared how, at the time, doctors told him there was little hope for his future. "Diagnosed and adios. Nothing much we can do," he said in a 2018 interview on the Today show. Despite the bleak prognosis, Cohen defied the odds, surviving not only the debilitating effects of MS but also colon cancer twice. His resilience became a beacon of hope for others living with chronic illnesses.
Cohen’s journey with MS began in the 1970s, a time when the disease was poorly understood. Over the decades, it progressively impaired his ability to see and walk, leaving him legally blind by the time of his death. Yet, throughout it all, Cohen maintained an extraordinary perspective on life. He spoke candidly about his illness, including during his second date with Vieira, where he revealed his MS diagnosis. "I sort of learned the hard way to get it on the table," Cohen explained. Vieira, who would later become his wife, didn't hesitate or blink. For her, it wasn't a dealbreaker, and the two went on to build a family together.
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Their marriage, lasting nearly 40 years, was a partnership marked by deep love, mutual respect, and resilience. The couple shared three children: Benjamin, 36, Gabriel, 34, and Lily, 32. Meredith Vieira, who famously left Today in 2011 to spend more time with her family, often spoke of the importance of cherishing every moment with her husband. "Time is one of those weird things. You can never get enough of it," she shared, highlighting her desire to prioritize her family.
Though Cohen’s health was a constant challenge, his ability to focus on what he could do rather than what he could not was a defining aspect of his character. He authored several books, including one about his personal health journey, and became a vocal advocate for those with chronic illnesses. Cohen’s legacy is also defined by his award-winning journalism career. He won three Emmys for his work with CBS News, and later, he became a columnist for The New York Times , writing about health and chronic illness.
His wife, Meredith, has been described by colleagues as a devoted and loving partner. Today show co-host Hoda Kotb noted that Cohen was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, and that his final weeks were filled with love. Savannah Guthrie, another Today anchor, remembered the couple as "the most fun and entertaining, irreverent, cool couple you could hang out with."
Meredith Vieira’s loss is undoubtedly immense, but Richard Cohen’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, not just through his journalism, but through his openness in discussing his struggles and triumphs with MS. His life was a testament to the power of resilience, and his love for his family was unwavering. As the family mourns his loss, they will surely find comfort in the incredible memories he leaves behind.
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