Cokie Roberts Passed Away!

ABC News commentator Cokie Roberts passed away.

Known as Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Roberts, Cokie Roberts passed away after suffering breast cancer. She was a legendary journalist and political commentator.

At the age of 75, Cokie Roberts was a smart fighter. She was an award winning journalist who won three Emmys, throughout her decades-long career. She was introduced into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame and was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting.

Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and was successfully treated. When she was diagnosed, she spoke about her longtime work urging women to get regular mammograms.

She was named a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress in 2008.

ABC News president James Goldston said that Cokie was a powerful force in the world of politics and journalism.

"Cokie Roberts will be dearly missed. Cokie's kindness, generosity, sharp intellect and thoughtful take on the big issues of the day made ABC a better place and all of us better journalist."

He later added, "She was a true pioneer for women in journalism and well-regarded for her insightful analysis of politics and policy in Washington, DC, countless newsmaking interviews, and, notably, her unwavering support for generations of young women ---and men-- who would follow her footsteps."

She is survived by her husband, fellow journalist Steven Roberts, her children, Lee and Rebecca and six grandchildren.

Roberts came from a political family: she was the daughter of (Thomas) Hale Boggs, the former Democratic House majority leader and representative from New Orleans. Her father was also a member of the Warren commission that investigated the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Full statement from the family of Cokie Roberts:

Her loving family announces the passing of journalist and author Cokie Roberts, due to complications from breast cancer, on September 17.

Born Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Boggs on December 27, 1943, Cokie was – first and foremost – a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin and friend.

Cokie’s career as a journalist at National Public Radio and ABC News took her to the heights of her profession, and her success as an author on history and family put her on the best seller list.

But her values put family and relationships above all else.

Cokie with her husband, fellow journalist Steven Roberts.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, journalist, author and professor Steven V. Roberts, her children Lee Roberts and Rebecca Roberts, her grandchildren Regan, Hale and Cecilia Roberts and Claiborne, Jack and Roland Hartman, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is also survived by friendships and by causes that she put her time, resources and energy into that are too numerous to count.

We would like to thank the staff at the National Institutes of Health for their dedication, expertise, work and incredible care for Cokie during her illness.

We will miss Cokie beyond measure, both for her contributions and for her love and kindness.

We are hopeful that Cokie now goes to join her parents, former Members of Congress Hale and Lindy Boggs, her siblings Barbara, Tom and William, who predecease her, and her God.