Dan Rather devastated as wife Jean Rather dies at 89 following health battle: ‘The saddest of days’
Dan Rather’s wife, Jean Rather, has died at the age of 89 after a battle with cancer, family friends announced in a news release. Facebook post Tuesday.
“Today is the saddest day for Dan and Rather’s extended family,” the post said. “Jean Liever, Dan’s wife, passed away early this morning at their home in Austin, Texas.
Jean, who was married to the iconic reporter for 67 years, 93, “had been in hospice care for some time, but the news still comes as a shock to those of us who knew and loved her.
The statement continued: “Please keep the Sweethearts in your thoughts. Jean lived a full life as an incredible wife, mother, friend and artist – and a true Texan.”
A family obituary said Jean was “surrounded by loving family and friends and her beautiful works of art” at the time of her death on Tuesday.
The family said Jean’s “cause of death was cancer.”
Dan Rather’s wife, Jean Rather, has died at the age of 89 after a battle with cancer, family friends announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Pictured in 2013 in New York
Jean and Dan, pictured in 2017 in New York, shared a 67-year marriage
Jean’s family noted in the obituary that she was “a highly accomplished artist” whose “paintings and collages were displayed in galleries and private collections throughout the United States.”
“She took art classes at American University and Mary Mount Manhattan College,” the obituary said. ‘Through careful study of the paintings and sculptures of master artists in museums in England, France, Italy, Russia, Israel, Greece, Turkey and Southeast Asia, Jean created a unique contemporary philosophy and style.’
Jean was a painting member and vice chair of the New York City Arts Commission for eight years, her family said.
Jean’s “many dear friends were wonderful companions, and their love and support meant the world to her,” the obituary said.
According to her family, Jean was also affiliated with nonprofit organizations such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, UT Press and the Harry Ransom Center.
The family said that in lieu of flowers, “a wonderful way to remember” would be to donate to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leadersbased in Austin, Texas.
Jean is survived by her husband Dan; son Danjack and partner Ann Prunty, and grandson Martin; daughter Robin and partner, Mike Marler and grandson Andy; “and many members of the extended Wallace, Zimerhanzel and Rather families,” the obituary said.