Politicians, newsmakers, and members of the media have been reflecting on the life of Cokie Roberts after news that she passed away Tuesday morning due to complications from complications with breast cancer. Roberts was a native New Orleanian, reporter, news anchor, and commentator for several news outlets during a long career in media. She was also the daughter of Louisiana politicians Lindy and Hale Boggs.
Roberts helped shape the on-air sound of NPR during the early years of that organization, where she was also one of a small handful of female journalists. One of those journalists, Nina Totenberg, said “the world will be a lesser place” without Roberts in it.
The world will be a lesser place without my darling friend, Cokie Roberts, who died early this morning. I said good-bye last night. Told her I'd see her on the other side some day, where I know she will still be a star. pic.twitter.com/Ei8d2zkHAb
— Nina Totenberg (@NinaTotenberg) September 17, 2019
Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu called Roberts a “great journalist with a clear-eyed voice” who was “always a champion for New Orleans.”
So incredibly saddened by Cokie's loss. She was a great friend and great journalist with a clear-eyed voice. She understood America so well. Always a champion for New Orleans. We will miss her. https://t.co/CsXYA9xPZx
— Mitch Landrieu (@MitchLandrieu) September 17, 2019
Donna Brazile, political strategist and former chair of the Democratic National Committee called Roberts a “woman of faith who prayed for others and watched over so many.”
#CokieRoberts was family. A woman of faith who prayed for others and watched over so many. May she rest in heavenly peace. I’m sure she has a small bottle of Tabasco and her @Saints gear waving the banner up over yonder. God bless her soul - my friend and mentor. Rest who dat!
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) September 17, 2019
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi both called Roberts a “trailblazer."
Our hearts are heavy today in Louisiana as we mourn the loss of Cokie Roberts, a trailblazer, a native of our great state and the daughter of Hale and Lindy Boggs. #lagov #lalege #CokieRoberts https://t.co/JjAtylF7om
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) September 17, 2019
Cokie Roberts was a trailblazer who transformed the role of women in the newsroom & our history books as she told the stories of the unsung women who built our nation. Her warmth, wit and wisdom will be deeply missed by all. https://t.co/24k1sqAkGQ
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 17, 2019
Political commentator EJ Dionne said Roberts’ “love of life, politics, and journalism was infectious.”
Words can’t capture my sadness over #CokieRoberts’ death. Her love of life, politics & journalism was infectious. She had no time for cant or pretension. I’m forever grateful for the warmth she & Steve showed me when I started out in journalism. I’m one of many to be so blessed.
— EJ Dionne (@EJDionne) September 17, 2019
Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) both called Roberts “a pioneer for women in journalism.”
Sad to hear of Cokie Roberts' passing. Cokie was a pioneer for women in journalism, and the daughter of New Orleans legends Lindy and Hale Boggs. Jennifer and I are keeping her husband Steven and their family in our prayers. https://t.co/ckrrwPHq92
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) September 17, 2019
Cokie Roberts, a Louisiana native, was a pioneer for women in journalism. Through her work at NPR and later ABC News, she became a familiar voice to thousands of Americans. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this time.https://t.co/QyJ8l0ZT8j
— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) September 17, 2019
Kellyanne Conway, a Trump administration official, remembered Roberts as someone who “showed patience,” “worked hard,” and “disagreed agreeably.”
Cokie Roberts was kind. She disagreed agreeably. Cokie listened, offered advice, showed patience and poise, worked hard, put faith & family first. God bless. RIP. https://t.co/De5scz18ta
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) September 17, 2019