By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Joanne Rogers, the widow of Pittsburgh icon Fred Rogers, has died, according to Fred Rogers Productions and the McFeely-Rogers Foundation. She was 92 years old.
#BREAKING: Fred Rogers Productions and the McFeely-Rogers Foundation confirm to KDKA that Fred Rogers’ wife, Joanne Rogers, has passed away.
– Shelby Cassesse (@ShelbyCassesse) January 14, 2021
The couple were married for 50 years before Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood died of stomach cancer in 2003 at the age of 74. Joanne and Fred met in college and later married, a marriage that friends described as as loving and supportive as it looked.
“They had their own language, so to speak. They would be with them and they would have sayings all the time that they had had since their teens, ”said Bill Isler, President Emeritus of Fred Rogers Productions.
The city of Pittsburgh calls Mrs. Rogers one of our “favorite neighbors”.
One of # Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbors.
Joanne & Fred changed our city forever. Thank you for your commitment to @FredRogersPro, @wqed, our children and our community. pic.twitter.com/5Umt981RwG
– City of Pittsburgh (@Pittsburgh) January 14, 2021
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto posted this statement:
“With her grace, humor and down-to-earth demeanor, Joanne Rogers embodied what we love about the city of Pittsburgh. As a partner of Fred Rogers for half a century, she helped bring his good works to a global audience and remained committed to his vision and this city after his death.
“She was always there when we needed her. I and countless others from all walks of life have been humble to call her a friend. ”
Fred Rogers Productions published this statement regarding Mrs. Rogers death:
“Fred Rogers Productions is deeply saddened by the death of Joanne Rogers. She was the loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years and continued their shared commitment to helping children and families after his death as CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. Joanne was a brilliant and accomplished musician, a wonderful advocate for the arts, and a dear friend to everyone in our organization. We extend our deep condolences to Joanne’s family and the thousands of people who have had the privilege to know and love them. “
After his death, Ms. Rogers continued his legacy of nurturing kindness and understanding and making this a better world for children.
“What you saw of Joanne Rogers when you spoke to her on the phone or in person was always full of spirit and fun. That was Joanne, ”said David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
(2/2) Joanne was a brilliant and accomplished musician, a wonderful advocate of the arts, and a dear friend to everyone in our organization. We extend our deep condolences to Joanne’s family and the thousands of people who have had the privilege to know and love them. pic.twitter.com/aPx9mGwhzc
– Fred Rogers Productions (@FredRogersPro) January 14, 2021
In 2019, she received the George Romero Legacy Award at Steeltown Entertainment’s 2019 Elly Awards.
Steeltown said Joanne preserved her husband’s legacy while helping young filmmakers learn about film and media.
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She’s been a very visible figure lately too.
“A Nice Day in the Neighborhood” starring Tom Hanks as her husband was released in 2019.
She said of the film: “I loved it. I think Tom is almost a genius. I want to give credit – Tom Hanks got a lot of good press and he deserves it all. “
Joanne is survived by two sons.
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