Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WRKF/WWNO Newsroom.

Reporters And Politicians From Louisiana To D.C. Remember Cokie Roberts

Cokie Roberts was praised by members of the media as well as politicians for her distinguished and longtime career in journalism. Roberts died Tuesday at age 75.
Janet Wilson
/
WWNO
Cokie Roberts was praised by members of the media as well as politicians for her distinguished and longtime career in journalism. Roberts died Tuesday at age 75.

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.

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu called Roberts a “great journalist with a clear-eyed voice” who was “always a champion for New Orleans.”

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.”

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi both called Roberts a “trailblazer."

Political commentator EJ Dionne said Roberts’ “love of life, politics, and journalism was infectious.”

Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) both called Roberts “a pioneer for women in journalism.”

Kellyanne Conway, a Trump administration official, remembered Roberts as someone who “showed patience,” “worked hard,” and “disagreed agreeably.”

Copyright 2021 WWNO - New Orleans Public Radio. To see more, visit .

Travis Lux primarily contributes science and health stories to Louisiana's Lab. He studied anthropology and sociology at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, and picked up his first microphone at the Transom Story Workshop in Woods Hole, MA. In his spare time he loves to cook -- especially soups and casseroles.
Travis Lux
Travis is WWNO's coastal reporter.