Accomplished pianist Joanne Rogers passed away on Thursday. She was 92. Rogers was married to television host and the star of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood show, Fred Rogers, who died in 2003 of stomach cancer. The news was confirmed by Fred Rogers Production company and foundation.
#BREAKING: Fred Rogers Productions and the McFeely-Rogers Foundation confirm to KDKA the wife of Fred Rogers, Joanne Rogers, has passed away.
— Shelby Cassesse (@ShelbyCassesse) January 14, 2021
Posted in the company's official Instagram account, the statement highlighted no cause of death and noted that the company is "deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rogers."
The statement further read that Joanne was a "loving partner" to Fred Rogers and together they shared a happy marriage for more than 50 years. It also claimed that she supported their children and families after his demise and took over as the board of chair in the production company.
A post shared by Fred Rogers Productions (@fredrogersproductions)
Joanne and Fred met each other in college and later married. According to the statement, she was a "brilliant and accomplished musician" with a wonderful advocate for the arts. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joanne's family and the thousands of people who had the privilege of knowing and loving her," it said.
(2/2) 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. pic.twitter.com/aPx9mGwhzc
— Fred Rogers Productions (@FredRogersPro) January 14, 2021
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has also released a statement saying that Joanne graced the city with "humor" and her "down-to-earth demeanor." The official Twitter account for the state of Pennsylvania to the icon. They thanked her for all of the "kindness" she "brought to our commonwealth."
RIP Joanne Rogers.🖤
— Pennsylvania (@PennsylvaniaGov) January 14, 2021
Thank you for all of the kindness you brought to our commonwealth. https://t.co/NywnwfXR7b
The official Twitter account of the Fred Rogers Center tweeted a heartfelt note in honour of the "joyful and tender-hearted spirit" that was Joanne Rogers. They said that her "heart and wisdom have guided" the work in service of the television host's legacy and extended sympathies to the Rogers Family.
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. pic.twitter.com/ncJMIMSrxi
— Fred Rogers Center (@FredRogersCtr) January 14, 2021
The City of Pittsburgh called Rogers one of their “favorite neighbors.”
One of #Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbors.
— City of Pittsburgh (@Pittsburgh) January 14, 2021
Joanne & Fred forever changed our city. Thank you for your dedication to @FredRogersPro, @wqed, our children, & our community. pic.twitter.com/5Umt981RwG
In 2019, she received the George Romero Legacy Award at Steeltown Entertainment Elly Awards.
Feature Image Credit: City of Pittsburgh/Twitter
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