The 'Imus in the Morning' host passed away on Friday, December 27, a few days after he, who helped open the doors for other shock jock personalities, was hospitalized on Christmas Eve.
- Dec 28, 2019
AceShowbiz - The world has lost one of radio legends. Don Imus, the broadcast provocateur who was a staple of morning drive-time radio for decades reportedly passed away on Friday, December 27 in College Station, Texas. He was 79.
His passing arrived after he was hospitalized on Christmas Eve. His family confirmed his death in a statement that read, "Don loved and adored [wife] Deirdre, who unconditionally loved him back, loved spending his time watching [son] Wyatt become a highly skilled, champion rodeo rider and calf roper."
The statement also talked about how the late "Imus in the Morning" host "loved and supported [son] Zachary, who first met the Imus family at age 10 when he participated in the Imus Ranch program for kids with cancer, having battled and overcome leukemia, eventually becoming a member of the Imus family and Don and Deirdre's second son."
FOX News host Laura Ingraham mourned his passing on Twitter, writing, "In his heyday Imus was the best interviewer—an epic talent. Many great on-air memories in his Astoria studios, and (sorry, haters) responsible for my 17-year radio career. 'Don Imus, Legendary 'Imus in the Morning' Host, Dies at 79." One other added, "The extraordinary Don Imus has passed. A true legend. May he RIP. (A more worthy tribute when I return to our beloved radio airwaves.)"
Don was survived by his wife, Deidre, along with his six children, Wyatt and Lt. Zachary Don Cates, as well as his four daughters, Nadine, Ashley, Elizabeth, and Toni.
Known as the "I-Man", Don helped open the doors for other shock jock personalities. However, he landed in hot water back in 2007 over derogatory comments towards the Rutgers women's basketball team that led him to be dropped by CBS Radio and MSNBC.
Don, who was known for his droll sense of humor, his distinctive Western drawl and cowboy hat, jokingly called the team "nappy headed h**s." Don then met with some of the players and apologized in person.
His funeral will be carried in a private service as per his family's wish. Additionaly, his family encourages donations to the Imus Ranch Foundation.
