NEWS'A Brilliant & Accomplished Musician': Joanne Rogers, Wife Of The Late Mister Rogers, Dies At 92
The widow of Fred Rogers, Joanne Rogers, has died at 92 years old.
"Fred Rogers Productions is deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rogers. The loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years, she continued their shared commitment to supporting children and families after his death as chair of the board of Fred Rogers Productions," her husband’s production company wrote.
"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 heartfelt condolences to Joanne’s family and the thousands of people who had the privilege of knowing and loving her."
"We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Joanne Rogers, a joyful and tender-hearted spirit, whose heart and wisdom have guided our work in service of Fred’s enduring legacy. We extend our sympathies to the Rogers Family and all who were blessed to know Joanne," the Fred Rogers Center wrote.
Fans offered their condolences to the Rogers family following the sad news.
"They’re together again once more... RIP Fred and Joanne..." one fan said.
"The beloved Joanne Rogers, an accomplished pianist who just also happens to be Mr. Rogers’ widow, has now passed away at 92 years old. Rest In Peace and say hi to your husband for us," another wrote.
One user shared a quote from Joanne, writing, "I don't mean to sound boastful, but he was my icon before he was anyone else's. Being Mrs. Fred Rogers has been the most remarkable life I could ever have imagined."
"Mr. Rogers helped raise me. His teachings of kindness and love shaped us all for the better — and I know that he learned so much of that kindness and love from his wife Joanne. Thank you, Mrs. Rogers. May your memory be a blessing," Attorney General of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro said.
"There's no Mr. Rogers without Joanne Rogers," Austin Kellerman said alongside a touching clip of the Pittsburgh's Magee Women’s Hospital serenading Joanne.
Joanne and Fred got married in 1952. Fred hosted Mister Rogers' Neighborhood from 1968 until 2001, but he died in 2003 when he was 74 years old. Since then, Joanne has worked to keep her husband's legacy alive.
The pair met while Joanne was studying at Rollins College in Florida. Although she was known as Mister Rogers' wife, Joanne was an accomplished pianist.
"I think he would have really loved it, don’t you?" Joanne told Page Six about the film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, which featured Tom Hanks as her late husband. Joanne even made a cameo in the film.
Joanne and Fred are survived by their two sons, James and John, and two grandchildren.
We’re thinking of the Rogers family during this difficult time.
