George Stephanopoulos experienced enormous heartbreak in June when he lost his father, the Rev. Robert George Stephanopoulos. Known as a spiritual leader and beloved family figure, Rev. Stephanopoulos was celebrated by friends, family and the community for his contributions as Dean Emeritus of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. George’s wife, Ali Wentworth, shared a particularly moving tribute on Instagram, writing: “He was everyone’s counsel… He will be missed by so many.” Sagapo Father Bob. Wentworth’s post included photos from her and George’s wedding day in 2001, where Rev. Stephanopoulos officiated.
Support also poured in from George’s colleagues, including love and condolences from fellow “Good Morning America” personality Robin Roberts. Reflecting on the loss of her husband, who was in Europe at the time of her father’s death, Wentworth said Rev. Stephanopoulos “married or baptized almost every Greek on the East Coast.” He was held in the highest esteem. No doubt his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, especially his news anchor son.
CNN’s Alisyn Camerota was widowed in July
Alisyn Camerota experienced immense grief after the death of her husband, Tim Lewis, in July. Lewis succumbed to stage four pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed with the disease two years previously. Camerota, who would announce his departure from CNN a few months later, shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram post. “I can’t imagine any human being facing a devastating diagnosis with more humor, humility and courage than Tim,” she wrote. There is no doubt that his death will leave an indelible mark on their family.
Lewis, 58, was deeply committed to community service and family values. He and Camerota shared three children, twin daughters Ale and Cessa, and a son, Nate. Later in the post, Camerota expressed gratitude for the time they spent together, emphasizing the deep love and partnership they shared. “He was a phenomenal father, husband, friend and role model and we all should try to follow in his footsteps,” she wrote. The Camerota family established a fund in Lewis’ memory called the Tim Lewis Foundation to Fight Cancer to support families facing similar struggles.
Today’s Jill Martin divorced her husband in September
In September, Jill Martin of “Today” announced her divorce from husband Erik Brooks after two years of marriage. As if that wasn’t difficult enough, the news came amid Martin’s ongoing treatment for breast cancer, which began in 2023. Speaking to People, a source close to the couple claimed that Martin is kept busy by staying “focused on her health and success.” difference.” According to the same source, this included the launch of a new breast cancer awareness initiative as well as the start of a new business.
Before the divorce announcement, Martin candidly documented his cancer journey – sharing both his struggles and his determination to fight. In an essay shared on the “Today” website, she wrote: “I choose to stand up. I choose to fight. And I choose to use my strength and my platform to do my best to beat cancer. Despite this new heartbreak, Martin continues to be open to the positive sides of life and has embraced this phase as a new chapter in her life. Her open-mindedness is certainly an inspiration to those facing similar challenges.
KCEN’s Lindsay Liepman mourned the death of her fellow news anchor in October
In October, KCEN anchor Lindsay Liepman announced the sudden death of her co-anchor and friend, Kris Radcliffe. Radcliffe, 51, was a beloved figure at the station, having worked there for more than two decades. Fighting back tears during the evening’s show, Lindsay said: “He was simply the best. Funny, genuine and intelligent, I looked forward to working with Kris every night. It’s a tough watch, but a reminder of the impact Radcliffe must have had on Liepman and the KCEN family.
Needless to say, Radcliffe’s unexpected death left a void not only in Liepman but throughout the KCEN editorial staff. He is survived by his wife Eden, their two daughters and two grandchildren. Reflecting on their last show together, Liepman shared, “If I had known that yesterday was going to be our last newscast together, I would have…just laughed a little longer at all his jokes.” » Liepman continued to honor his beloved late co-anchor by airing a feature on Radcliffe’s career, celebrating his dedication to journalism and his community over the years.
Dan Rather lost his wife of 67 years in November
Legendary news anchor Dan Rather endured the loss of his wife in November. Jean Rather died at the age of 89 after a long-standing cancer diagnosis. “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,” the family wrote on Facebook. Known as a loving mother, loyal partner, and accomplished artist, Jean Rather’s contributions in life extend far beyond her marriage to her famous husband.
Jean’s family also shared a moving obituary, describing her as “a steadfast advisor and true Texas courage through every storm.” She spent many years on the boards of several nonprofit organizations such as the Harry Ransom Center, UT Press, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The couple’s 67-year marriage, Jean’s artistic pursuits and community service have left a lasting legacy that will not soon be forgotten by the Rather family. Besides her husband, she is survived by children Rather, Danjack and Robin, as well as their respective families.
KOLD-TV’s Carsyn Currier mourned her friend and co-anchor in December
The month of December brought heartbreak to the KOLD-TV newsroom with the sudden passing of Ana Orsini, co-anchor and close friend of Carsyn Currier. Orsini died of a sudden brain aneurysm, the tragedy of which came as a tremendous shock to both his colleagues and viewers. Struggling to hold back tears during the show, Currier’s co-anchor Tyler Butler said: “What you saw with her on air, the funny, crazy person that she was, she was like that off camera and more.”
After Currier and Butler tearfully announced the sad news, the KOLD-TV team celebrated Orsini’s humor and energy by sharing a tribute reel of his most vibrant on-air moments. Currier and his colleagues wore pink in honor of Orsini, a gesture that wordlessly emphasized the deep bond they shared. “She was a smiling face, especially to all of her new and younger colleagues,” the station explained, “and she is known in every newsroom she worked for for taking them under her wing and being a strong mentor both on the job than in life.