Who was Bob Edwards? Veteran NPR Broadcaster Dead at 76

Bob Edwards, the esteemed former NPR radio host, passed away ‘peacefully’ at the age of 76 over the weekend.

Announcing his death on Facebook, NPR reporter Windsor Johnston, Edwards’ wife, shared the heartbreaking news, saying, ‘It’s with the heaviest of hearts to share that Bob Edwards passed away peacefully on Saturday night. His daughters Susannah, Nora and I were with him as he took his final breath.’

Edwards dedicated three decades of his career to National Public Radio, from 1974 to 2004. He began by co-hosting ‘All Things Considered’ before assuming the helm of ‘Morning Edition’ for an impressive 25-year tenure.

The decision by the station to remove him from ‘Morning Edition’ in 2004 sparked significant controversy, coinciding with his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Outrage extended even to the United States Senate, where Illinois Senator Dick Durbin publicly criticized NPR’s move, saying, ‘It turns out Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle feel as I do – that this decision by National Public Radio is the wrong decision; that Bob Edwards, who has been not only a host of this program but the most successful morning voice in America, is being moved away from this assignment in a situation and in a circumstance that is almost impossible to understand.’

Subsequently, Edwards departed NPR to launch ‘The Bob Edwards Show’ on XM Satellite Radio, which enjoyed a decade-long run.

Edwards had been married three times prior to his passing and shared two daughters with his second wife. He tied the knot with Johnston, his partner of 14 years, 12 years ago.

Reflecting on Edwards’ final moments, Johnston shared, ‘He smiled as we played the well wishes, loving memories and messages of healing that you all so kindly took the time to record for him. A tear slid down his face as he listened to those familiar voices under the bed of the old Morning Edition theme.’

Johnston praised Edwards as a broadcasting titan, emphasizing his meticulous attention to detail and minimalist philosophy, which profoundly influenced the field of journalism. She also expressed gratitude for his role in nurturing the next generation of journalists at NPR.

Personalizing her tribute, Johnston described Edwards as ‘the absolute love of my life,’ highlighting his unwavering support and admiration. The couple resided together in Washington, DC.