Cokie Roberts
Explore the life of Cokie Roberts (1943–2019) — pioneering American journalist, NPR “founding mother,” ABC political analyst, author of books on women in U.S. history, and enduring voice in public discourse.
Introduction
Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne “Cokie” Roberts (December 27, 1943 – September 17, 2019) was a pioneering American journalist, political commentator, and author whose work spanned radio, television, and print. She is celebrated as one of NPR’s “Founding Mothers,” and she became a prominent voice on ABC News, helping to elevate women’s presence in political journalism. Through her books and commentary, she also sought to highlight women’s contributions to American history. Her legacy is one of integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to making institutions and public life more transparent and inclusive.
Early Life and Family Background
Cokie Roberts was born on December 27, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her parents were Hale Boggs and Lindy Boggs, both prominent Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Her father served as House Majority Leader before his sudden disappearance in 1972 (his plane went missing over Alaska) and was presumed dead; her mother later succeeded him in Congress and served until 1991.
Cokie had siblings: her sister Barbara Boggs Sigmund became a public figure in New Jersey, and her brother Tommy Boggs was a prominent attorney and lobbyist.
She grew up deeply immersed in Washington life. Because her father’s work in Congress and her mother’s engagement in public service gave her early exposure to the workings of American politics, she often described her upbringing as shaped by the Capitol and its rhythms.
For schooling, she attended private Catholic institutions: the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans and later Stone Ridge School in Bethesda, Maryland. She went on to Wellesley College, graduating in 1964 with a B.A. in political science.
She married fellow journalist Steven V. Roberts in 1966, and the couple had two children, Lee and Rebecca. Their marriage spanned more than five decades.
Journalism & Media Career
Beginnings / NPR and Congressional Reporting
Roberts began her broadcasting career in the 1960s and 1970s, working first with CBS and in public affairs before joining National Public Radio (NPR) in the late 1970s. At NPR, she became the network’s Congressional correspondent, covering policy and Capitol Hill issues. Because of her early role and the time she entered the field, she is often included among the “Founding Mothers” of NPR (alongside Susan Stamberg, Linda Wertheimer, and Nina Totenberg).
During her time in radio journalism, she also contributed to PBS, particularly The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. Her coverage of complex issues—such as the Iran–Contra affair—won her recognition, including the Edward Weintal Prize for Diplomatic Reporting in 1988.
Transition to ABC & Television Commentary
In 1988, Roberts joined ABC News as a political correspondent for World News Tonight. She also continued a part-time role at NPR, balancing roles in radio and television.
From 1996 to 2002, Roberts co-anchored ABC’s Sunday morning news show This Week alongside Sam Donaldson (later This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts). In addition, she served as Chief Congressional Analyst for ABC, interpreting legislative activity, congressional politics, and national governance for the public.
Throughout her ABC tenure, Roberts appeared on various political panels, special coverage, and reporting assignments, especially relating to Capitol Hill, elections, and public policy.
Later in her career, Roberts also hosted a segment on NPR’s Morning ion titled “Ask Cokie”, where listeners submitted questions about U.S. politics and she provided analysis.
Writing & Books
Beyond journalism, Roberts wrote extensively, especially focusing on women in American history and the roles women played behind the scenes of public life. Some of her notable works include:
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We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters (1998) — a collection of essays reflecting on motherhood, women, and legacy.
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From This Day Forward (2000), co-authored with her husband Steven V. Roberts.
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Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation — an exploration of women in the Revolutionary and early Republic era whose contributions are often overlooked.
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Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation — a sequel to Founding Mothers, continuing the story of influential women in early U.S. history.
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Our Haggadah: Uniting Traditions for Interfaith Families (2011) — a co-authored work offering guidance and reflection for families of mixed religious traditions.
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Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington, 1848-1868 — focusing on how women in Washington, D.C. influenced the Civil War era.
Her writing added depth to her journalistic identity, bringing historical and cultural perspective to public discourse.
Awards, Honors & Public Service
Over her career, Roberts received wide recognition:
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She won prestigious journalism honors such as the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for reporting on Congress.
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In 1991, she earned an Emmy Award for her contribution to Who Is Ross Perot?
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In 2000, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.
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In 2008, the Library of Congress named her a “Living Legend,” one of the few Americans so honored.
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She held more than 30 honorary degrees and served on the boards of various nonprofit organizations.
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President George W. Bush appointed her to the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.
Roberts also used her platform to support civic engagement, historical awareness, and transparent government.
Personality, Style & Influence
Cokie Roberts was known for her calm, deliberate style and her ability to clarify complex political issues with fairness and nuance. She combined institutional knowledge (rooted in her upbringing and journalism) with a thoughtful moral voice, often asking not only what is happening but why it matters to democracy and citizens.
Because she grew up intimately connected to the workings of Congress, Roberts had a deep sense of how institutions function—and how they can falter. She often brought that insider’s intuition to her commentary, without losing perspective.
She also embraced mentorship, especially for younger journalists—and particularly women—helping to open space for greater inclusion in political reporting.
Her books on American women functioned as a bridge between her analytical journalism and her historical interest in giving voice to often-overlooked figures.
Challenges & Critiques
As a prominent political journalist, Roberts sometimes faced criticism for perceived biases or conflicts of interest. For example, her 1989 reporting on the Dianna Ortiz case in Guatemala drew scrutiny: she was criticized for challenging Ortiz’s account of American involvement, in a context where her family’s law firm had ties to the Guatemalan government.
Nonetheless, Roberts consistently emphasized balance, accountability, and a belief in institutions, even as she acknowledged their flaws.
Later Years & Death
Cokie Roberts was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2002 and became an advocate for early detection and women’s health. She continued working in journalism and writing despite health challenges.
She passed away on September 17, 2019 in Washington, D.C., due to complications from breast cancer, at age 75. She is buried at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington.
Her funeral drew tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting her reputation for integrity and civility.
In 2021, her husband, Steven V. Roberts, published a biography titled Cokie: A Life Well Lived, which captures her public career, private life, and lasting impact.
Legacy & Lessons
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Bridging journalism and history
Roberts showed that a journalist can not only report the present but also interpret the past, especially highlighting voices often marginalized. -
Steadiness in contentious times
Her on-air presence was calm, measured, and consistently respectful—even amid heated political debates. That tone helped many viewers trust her judgment. -
Expanding women’s roles
As one of few women in her era to rise in political journalism, she helped open doors and set professional standards for those who followed. -
Institutional loyalty and critique
Roberts believed in the importance of institutions like Congress, but she never shied from exposing their flaws or demanding accountability. -
Civic mindedness
Beyond reporting, she believed in public engagement, education, and informed citizenship. Her involvement in civic councils and her books underscore that belief.
Cokie Roberts’s life reminds us that journalism can be both rigorous and human: rooted in facts, attentive to nuance, and committed to illuminating the stories behind governance. Her voice endures as a model of integrity, curiosity, and public purpose.
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