Gina Heslop
Meredith Vieira, a well-known journalist and former host of the “Today” show, is grieving the loss of her husband, Richard Cohen.
Cohen passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76 after battling pneumonia for two months. His passing was officially announced on January 5 by The Hudson Independent and confirmed on January 7 on the “Today” show.
Cohen lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 50 years and also survived two colon cancer diagnoses, once in 1999 and again in 2000. Despite his health struggles, Cohen remained a devoted husband and father.
Hoda Kotb, Vieira’s former colleague, described how Cohen was surrounded by love and family during his final moments. Savannah Guthrie, another “Today” host, spoke warmly of the couple, calling them a fun and loving pair who shared a special bond.
Vieira and Cohen had three children—Lily, Gabriel, and Benjamin—who, along with a new grandchild, visited Cohen around Thanksgiving. The family feared they might lose him sooner but cherished an additional month with him before his passing.
Meredith Vieira and Richard Cohen’s love story began in the early 1980s when they met while working for CBS. They married in 1986.
Early in their relationship, Cohen was open about his MS diagnosis, revealing it on their second date. Vieira, however, wasn’t deterred by the news. She believed that life is unpredictable and chose to focus on their connection rather than the challenges ahead.
Cohen was diagnosed with MS at 25 but initially kept it a secret. Over time, he realized that hiding his illness was emotionally taxing.
He became an advocate for others living with chronic illnesses, writing several books about his experiences, including Blindsided and Chasing Hope. In his writings, Cohen emphasized that chronic illness impacts entire families, not just the individual suffering.
Vieira retired from her role on the “Today” show in 2011 to spend more time with Cohen and their children.
She valued the time they had together, knowing how precious it was. Following Cohen’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered in Cape Cod, a place he loved and considered his second home.
Cohen’s strength, advocacy, and love for his family remain an enduring legacy.
