Bob Edwards, the distinguished voice of National Public Radio’s (NPR) “Morning Edition,” died at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of journalism that shaped American mornings for over two decades.
NPR announced his passing, which occurred peacefully on Saturday night, February 10 surrounded by his family, including his wife, NPR anchor Windsor Johnston, and his daughters.
Edwards’s career with NPR began in 1974, a period when the network itself was in its early stages. He quickly became a foundational figure at NPR, co-hosting “All Things Considered” before launching “Morning Edition” in 1979. As the inaugural voice of the morning news program, Edwards played a pivotal role in its establishment as a staple in American households, offering news, analysis, and stories with a unique blend of professionalism and personality.
John Lansing, NPR CEO, in a statement, highlighted Edwards’s deep understanding of the intimate connection audio journalism creates with its audience. Edwards was celebrated for his ability to become a trusted voice for millions, embodying the essence of NPR’s mission to inform, educate, and engage the public.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1947, Edwards’s journey into journalism began at a radio station in Indiana and took him across the globe to Korea with the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. His contributions to public radio were recognized with numerous awards, including two Gabriel Awards, the prestigious Alfred I. du Pont-Columbia University Award, and a Peabody Award. His influence was further acknowledged with his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2004.
Despite his departure from “Morning Edition” in 2004, Edwards’s voice continued to resonate through the airwaves on XM Satellite Radio, where he hosted “The Bob Edwards Show” and “Bob Edwards Weekend” until 2015. His commitment to storytelling and journalism was evident in his authorship of three books and the numerous other awards he received throughout his career.
Edwards’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements to the personal connections he fostered with listeners and colleagues alike. His wife, Johnston, shared a memory of Edwards’s final moments, surrounded by the voices of those he impacted, reinforcing the deep, emotional bond he shared with his audience and the public radio community.
The cause of Edwards’s passing was identified as complications from metastatic bladder cancer and heart problems, shedding light on the personal battles he faced toward the end of his life.
NPR and its audience will remember Bob Edwards not just for the news he delivered but for the warmth, integrity, and trust he brought to his role as a broadcaster.
