Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Long-time journalist and newscaster, Gwen Ifill, has passed away at 61.
She was best known for moderating PBS’s talk show Washington Week, in addition to co-anchoring PBS NewsHour. She’s also moderated two vice-presidential debates, the most recent between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden in 2008. Before transitioning to journalism, she wrote for publications including The Washington Post and the New York Times.
Ifill had been undergoing cancer treatment for several months, PBS Newshour said in a release. Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS, talks about Ifill’s grace and commitment to her work in the following statement:
“It is with extreme sadness that we share the news that Gwen Ifill passed away earlier today surrounded by family and friends. Gwen was one of America’s leading lights in journalism and a fundamental reason public media is considered a trusted window on the world by audiences across the nation. Her contributions to thoughtful reporting and civic discourse simply cannot be overstated. She often said that her job was to bring light rather than heat to issues of importance to our society. Gwen did this with grace and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Our sorrow at her passing is a part of our profound gratitude for all that she did for our system and our nation. It was an honor to know Gwen and to work with her. All of us at PBS express our sincere condolences to Gwen’s friends and family.”
D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton also shared remarks, saying in part, “I felt a special kinship to Gwen, who called the District of Columbia home for much of her professional life. Her expansive talents and brilliant insights, however, made her a world-class journalist. It must also be said that for African Americans and women still climbing to reach the heights of journalism, as Gwen did, her career was an inspirational beacon.”
President Barack Obama expressed his condolences at a press conference this afternoon, and many of her friends and colleagues shared their grievances on social media.
President Obama on Gwen Ifill: “She not only informed today’s citizens but she also inspired tomorrow’s journalists” https://t.co/pfmA2D1pqd
— CNN (@CNN) November 14, 2016
Heart broken to learn of Gwen Ifill’s passing. Thank you, Gwen, for being a wonderful mentor.
— Jonathan Capehart (@CapehartJ) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill, RIP. Probably the most gracious person on television.
— Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) November 14, 2016
With deep and profound sadness. My friend, — the @NewsHour anchor @gwenifill has gone on to glory. We will miss her voice, her works & more
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) November 14, 2016
This is shocking and incredibly sad. Condolences to her family. God bless your soul, Gwen https://t.co/V2b0ZRUPtS
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) November 14, 2016
Just heartbroken about losing Gwen Ifill. She owned every beat she was on, whether at the @nytimes @NBCNews or @NewsHour or anywhere else
— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) November 14, 2016
i cannot think of what there is to say about the loss of Gwen, who was such a stellar journalist and a decent, decent person
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 14, 2016
I am saddened to learn about the passing of Gwen Ifill—an incredibly talented and respected journalist.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) November 14, 2016
The amazing Gwen Ifill paved the way for so many journalists of color. Her loss leaves a deep hole in our hearts and our newsrooms
— Cecilia Vega (@CeciliaVegaABC) November 14, 2016
