Former CBS longtime anchor Dan Rather is mourning the death of his beloved wife, Jean Rather, who died Tuesday at the age of 89.
Jean died “surrounded by her loving family and her beautiful artwork” at the couple’s home in Austin, Texas after a battle with cancer, her husband’s friends said on his Facebook page.
“Today is the saddest of days for Dan and the extended Rather family,” the post read.
Jean, who was married to the journalist, 93, for 67 years, had been “in hospice care for some time”, according to friends.
“The news still comes as a shock to those of us who knew and loved him,” they added. “She had been in hospice care for some time but the news still comes as a shock to those of us who knew and loved her.
“Jean lived a full life as an extraordinary wife, mother, friend and artist—and a true Texan.”
The obituary noted that Jean was “a very accomplished artist” and had exhibited her artwork “in galleries and private collections” across the country.
Jean Rather grew up in Texas before studying drawing and painting at American University in Washington, DC and Marymount Manhattan College in NYC.
“Through careful study of the paintings and sculpture of master artists in museums in England, France, Italy, Russia, Israel, Greece, Turkey and Southeast Asia, Jean created a unique contemporary philosophy and style,” the obituary said.
Before her death, Jean was a member of the Painters of New York and vice president of the Art Commission.
“Her many dear friends have been wonderful companions, and their love and support means the world to her,” the post read.
Dan Rather first met Jean while working at a Houston radio station in the late 1950s.
“In my case, it was love at first sight,” Dan told Closer Weekly. “Not only was she so intelligent, she was smoking hot and it took me a while to convince her to marry me. I don’t think there is any secret to that.
In 2021, Jean and Dan returned to Texas at the ages of 85 and 90, respectively, 15 years after anchoring CBS.
“Jean was an extraordinary mother and grandmother, making every game, cheering every victory, putting Fasad-Aids on every leather knee and serving as a confidant and friend to all members of her family,” added the loving tribute.
Jean is survived by her husband Dan, as well as their son Danjack and daughter Robin, and their respective families.
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