NEW YORK, NY (CBS/WUSA) — Andy Rooney, the 60 MINUTES commentator known to generations for his wry, humorous and contentious television essays died last night in the hospital in New York City of complications following minor surgery. Rooney was 92-years-old and had homes in New York City, Rensselaerville, N.Y. and Rowayton, Conn.
Rooney had announced a few weeks ago in his 1097th essay for 60 MINUTES on Oct. 2 that he would no longer appear regularly on the broadcast.
“Words cannot adequately express Andy’s contribution to the world of journalism and the impact he made–as a colleague and friend–upon everyone at CBS,” said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation. “His wry wit, his unique ability to capture the essence of any issue, and his larger-than-life personality made him an icon, not only within the industry but among readers and viewers around the globe. Andy was not just a member of the CBS family; he was a member of the world’s family. We treasure the legacy he has left, and his presence will be sorely missed by those of us at CBS and by his fans around the world.”
“It’s a sad day at 60 MINUTES and for everybody here at CBS News. It’s hard to imagine not having Andy around. He loved his life and he lived it on his own terms. We will miss him very much,” said Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and the executive producer of 60 MINUTES.
Rooney resided in Manhattan; he also kept a family vacation home in Rensselaerville, N.Y and the first home he ever purchased, in Rowayton, Conn.. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 62 years, Marguerite (nee Howard), in 2004. He is survived by his four children Ellen, a photographer, Brian, the longtime ABC News correspondent, Emily, the original host of “Greater Boston,” a local public affairs television program on PBS, and Martha Fishel, chief of the Public Services division of the U.S. National Library of Medicine; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Nancy.
Funeral services will be private. A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
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