AceShowbiz - Veteran journalist Richard Cohen, who's married to former "Today" anchor Meredith Vieira, has left an inspirational mark after battling multiple sclerosis for over half a century. He passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family.

Richard Cohen's long and arduous struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS) began early. Diagnosed at 25, Cohen faced not only the challenges that came with the chronic disease but also two cancer diagnoses during his lifetime.

As a figure in the media industry, his personal battles were often brought to the public's attention, garnering respect, inspiration, and admiration for his resilience and honesty.

On Tuesday, January 7, the "Today" show confirmed Cohen's passing, with co-host Hoda Kotb noting, "He was surrounded by his family and love" at the end, including his wife of 38 years, Meredith Vieira, and their children: Benjamin, 36, Gabriel, 34, and Lily, 32.

Reflecting on Cohen's final days, Kotb mentioned that the family had gathered around Thanksgiving, fearing it might be their last moments together. Instead, they treasured a "glorious month with their dad."

The love and bond shared by Cohen and Vieira were truly unique. Vieira, a renowned journalist and television personality herself, stood steadfastly by Cohen's side throughout their journey together. Their mutual support and humor helped them face trials head-on.

Vieira recalled their early days, admitting that Cohen disclosed his MS diagnosis on their second date. "I told her about the illness, because I sort of learned the hard way to get it on the table," Cohen had shared in a 2019 interview with Yahoo Life.

Vieira's response was unwavering. "I've always been of the school of thought that you could get hit by a bus the next day, any one of us could," she said. "It certainly wasn't enough to scare me off." Over the following decades, their relationship was a testimony to shared strength and unyielding support.

Meredith Vieira's own career adjustments were made with her family's needs in mind. Initially a co-host on "The View", she transitioned to "Today" in 2006 before stepping away from the show in 2011 to spend more time with Cohen and their children. On air, she poignantly remarked, "You can never get enough of [time], and it just keeps ticking away."

Cohen's journey through life was a mixture of immense challenges and remarkable hope. Despite MS leaving him legally blind towards the end, he persisted with a spirit that defied his physical limitations.

In one of his literary works, he expressed the intricacies of hope and his desire for "a long-term relationship with hope." He described his realization that hope was not merely a crutch but something essential, as observed from various perspectives during his research for his book "Chasing Hope."

Richard Cohen's story is more than one of struggle; it's a tale of an enduring love that persevered through countless adversities. His candidness about dealing with chronic illness and his keen sense of humor have left a lasting legacy, both in his family and among the many who looked up to him.