Richard Cohen, Veteran Journalist and MS Advocate, Dies at 76

Richard Cohen, a veteran journalist, author, and husband of former TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira, died on Christmas Eve at the age of 76. Cohen, who lived with multiple sclerosis for over 50 years and survived two cancer diagnoses, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after battling pneumonia for two months.

Born on February 14, 1948, in New York City, Cohen grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut. He began his journalism career at ABC News, where he worked as an assistant producer and later as a floor producer for Ted Koppel during the 1972 political conventions. His career took him to CBS News, where he became a senior producer for Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, covering major global events, including the Solidarity movement in Poland and conflicts in the Middle East and Central America.

Cohen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 25, a condition that left him legally blind. Despite his health challenges, he pursued a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and continued to work in the field. He authored several books, including “Blindsided,” a candid memoir about living with MS, and “Strong at the Broken Places,” which profiled individuals dealing with chronic illnesses.

Cohen and Vieira were married for 38 years and had three children: Ben, Gabe, and Lily. Vieira, who left TODAY in 2011 to spend more time with her family, described Cohen as a loving father and husband. “He taught our kids what courage looks like,” she said. Cohen also recently became a grandfather, a role he embraced with joy.

In addition to his journalism and writing, Cohen was an advocate for people living with chronic illnesses. He received numerous accolades, including an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Sinai Hospital School of Medicine and the 2009 AARP Inspire Award. A private celebration of his life will be held in the spring, with his ashes scattered on Cape Cod, a place he cherished.