Former longtime CBS anchor Dan Rather is mourning the death of his beloved wife, Jean Rather, who died at age 89 on Tuesday.
Jean died “surrounded by loving family and her beautiful artwork” at the couple’s Austin, Texas home after a battle with cancer, her husband’s friends said on his Facebook page.
“Today is the saddest of days for Dan and the extended Rather family,” the post read.
Jean, who had been married to the newsman, 93, for 67 years, had been “on hospice care for some time,” according to friends.
“The news still comes as a shock for those of us who knew and loved her,” they added. “She had been on hospice care for some time, but the news still comes as a shock for those of us who knew and loved her.
“Jean lived a full life as an incredible wife, mother, friend, and artist — and a true Texan.”
The obituary noted that Jean was “a very accomplished artist” and had her artwork showcased “in galleries and private collections” across the country.
Jean Rather grew up in Texas before she studied drawing and painting at American University in Washington, D.C. and Marymount Manhattan College in NYC.
“Through careful study of master artists’ paintings and sculpture in museums in England, France, Italy, Russia, Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Southeast Asia, Jean created a unique contemporary philosophy and style,” the obituary read.
Prior to her death, Jean was New York City’s Painter Member and Vice Chair of the Art Commission.
Her “many dear friends have been wonderful companions, and their love and support meant the world to her,” the post read.
Dan Rather first met Jean when he was working at a radio station in Houston in the late 1950s.
“In my case, it was love at first sight,” Dan told Closer Weekly. “Not only was she so intelligent, she was smoking hot, and it took me a while to convince her to marry me. I don’t think there’s any secret about it.
In 2021, Jean and Dan moved back to Texas, at ages 85 and 90, respectively, — 15 years after the anchor’s exit from CBS.
“Jean was a tremendous mother and grandmother, making every game, cheering on every win, putting Band-Aids on every skinned knee, and serving as a confidante and friend to all her family members,” the loving tribute added.
Jean is survived by her husband Dan, as well as their son Danjack and daughter Robin, and their respective families.