Theextraordinary life and legacy of legendary journalist Cokie Roberts—a trailblazerfor women—remembered by her friends and family.Throughher visibility and celebrity, Cokie Roberts was an inspiration and a role modelfor innumerable women and girls. A fixture on national television and radio formore than 40 years, she also wrote five bestselling books focusing on the roleof women in American history. She was portrayed on SaturdayNight Live, name checked on the West Wing, and featured on magazinecovers. She joked with Jay Leno, balanced a pencil on her nose for DavidLetterman, and was the answer to numerous crossword puzzle clues. Many dogs,and at least one dairy cow, were named for her. When the legendary 1980s SpyMagazine ran a diagram documenting all her connections with theheadline “Cokie Roberts – Moderately Well-Known Broadcast Journalist or Centerof the Universe?” they were only half-joking.Cokiehad many roles in her lifetime: Daughter. Wife. Mother. Journalist. Advocate. Historian.Reflecting on her life, those closest to her remember her impressive mind,impish wit, infectious laugh, and the tenacity that sent her careerskyrocketing through glass ceilings at NPR and ABC. They marvel at how sheoften put others before herself and cared deeply about the world around her. When faced withdaily decisions and dilemmas, many still ask themselves the question, ‘WhatWould Cokie Do?’In thisloving tribute, Cokie’s husband of 53 years and bestselling-coauthor SteveRoberts reflects not only on her many accomplishments, but on how she livedeach day with a devotion to helping others. For Steve, Cokie’s private life wasas significant and inspirational as her public one. Her commitment tocelebrating and supporting other women was evident in everything she did, andher generosity and passion drove her personal and professional endeavors.In Cokie, he has a simple goal: “To tell stories. Some willmake you cheer or laugh or cry. And some, I hope, will inspire you to be more likeCokie, to be a good person, to lead a good life.”
