Richard Cohen, a respected journalist and loving husband to television personality Meredith Vieira, sadly passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76. His life was marked by an incredible resilience as he battled multiple sclerosis for more than five decades, alongside overcoming two cancer diagnoses.

The announcement of his death was made during the Today show on January 7, where anchor Hoda Kotb shared that Cohen was surrounded by his family and loved ones, including Vieira and their three children: daughter Lily, 32, and sons Gabriel, 34, and Benjamin, 36. The family had spent Thanksgiving together, focusing on the time they had with Cohen, who they were initially worried might not make it through the year. Reflecting fondly on that time, Kotb noted, “Instead, they got a glorious month with their dad.”

Savannah Guthrie also praised Vieira’s unwavering devotion to Cohen, stating, “She was such a beautiful and devoted wife to Richard and he adored Meredith. They were like the most fun and entertaining couple you could hang out with.” Their bond only deepened over their 38 years of marriage, which began in 1986. When they were on their second date, Cohen disclosed his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. He recalled in a 2019 interview, "I learned the hard way to get it on the table, and she really didn’t blink."

Vieira, a former co-host of The View and a beloved figure on the Today show, shared her perspective on relationships and life's unpredictability. “I’ve always been of the school of thought that you could get hit by a bus the next day. It wasn’t enough to scare me off,” she said. Instead of retreating, Vieira became Cohen’s staunch advocate, standing by him as he transitioned from a vibrant journalism career at CBS News to focusing on advocating for those with MS.

The couple utilized humor and honesty as coping mechanisms throughout their journey. Vieira emphasized the importance of open dialogue within their relationship, stating, “We definitely allow each other to vent. It’s good to say it. But we don’t dwell.” In a poignant reflection she shared, they navigated their challenges by recognizing their shared human experience, saying, “So many people are dealing with stuff and it puts it into perspective.”

Cohen’s chronic illness not only impacted his life but influenced Vieira’s career decisions. In 2011, she decided to step back from her professional commitments to dedicate more time to her family. “I know that I want to spend more of mine with my husband, Richard, and my kids,” she expressed at the time.

In his 2018 memoir, "Chasing Hope: A Patient’s Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and the Future," Cohen candidly described the toll that chronic illness takes on both the individual and their loved ones. He recognized the emotional burden his illness placed on his family, emphasizing that chronic illness is “a family affair.” Despite his struggles with MS—as well as battling colon cancer twice and dealing with a serious lung clot—Cohen maintained a hopeful perspective, believing in the possibility of a cure and the importance of hope.

Cohen's story is not only one of struggle but also of profound love, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who face their own battles with health challenges.