Thu Jan 09 13:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Veteran Journalist and Husband of Meredith Vieira, Richard Cohen, Dies at 76
**NEW YORK, NY** – Richard Cohen, a veteran journalist and the husband of former TODAY show anchor Meredith Vieira, passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76. Cohen, who had lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 50 years and also battled cancer, leaves behind his wife of 38 years and their three children.
Cohen, a former CBS News journalist, was open about his decades-long battle with MS, which he was diagnosed with at the age of 25. He frequently spoke out about living with chronic illness, advocating for greater openness and honesty among those affected. He and Vieira often discussed his condition publicly, including on the TODAY show. Vieira famously shared that Cohen disclosed his MS diagnosis on their second date, a testament to their enduring relationship.
In 2011, when Vieira left her role at TODAY, she cited a desire to spend more time with Cohen and their family. The couple’s unwavering bond and commitment to one another served as an inspiration to many.
Cohen’s passing comes as a loss to his family, friends, and the many people he touched through his journalism and his advocacy for those living with chronic illnesses. While MS is not typically fatal, Cohen’s experience highlights the complexities and challenges of managing a long-term condition.
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