Mister Rogers’ wife Joanne dies at the age of 92

BREAKING: Mister Rogers’ wife Joanne dies at the age of 92

  • The couple had been married for 50 years before Fred died aged 74 in 2003
  • Her death was confirmed by the Fred Rogers Productions and the McFeely-Rogers Foundation; It is understood she had been hospitalized for several days
  • The City of Pittsburgh tweeted calling her ‘one of the city’s favorite neighbors’ 
  • Her husband Fred was the star of the much loved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood 

Mister Rogers’ wife Joanne has died at the age of 92, it was announced Thursday. 

The couple had been married for 50 years before Fred, the star of PBS’ Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, died aged 74 in 2003.  

Her death was confirmed by the Fred Rogers Productions and the McFeely-Rogers Foundation. 

They tweeted: ‘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.

‘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.’  

Mister Rogers’ wife Joanne has died at the age of 92, it was announced Thursday

The couple had been married for 50 years before Fred, the star of PBS' Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, died aged 74 in 2003

The couple had been married for 50 years before Fred, the star of PBS’ Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, died aged 74 in 2003

It is understood she had been hospitalized for several days. Her cause of death is unknown. 

Beloved children’s television host Mister Rogers was played by Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood in 2019. The part of Joanne was given to actress Maryann Plunkett. 

Joanne said of the movie: ‘I loved it. I think Tom is a genius, almost. I want to give credit — Tom Hanks has gotten lots and lots of good press and he deserves every bit of it.’ 

Bill Isler, former president and CEO of Fred’s company, said in 2019: ‘When Fred died, she wasn’t going to step in to be Mister Rogers, but she was going to step in.’ 

The City of Pittsburgh tweeted Thursday: ‘One of #Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbors. Joanne & Fred forever changed our city. Thank you for your dedication to our children, & our community.’ 

Joanne was given the George Romero Legacy Award at Steeltown Entertainment’s Elly Awards in 2019.  

She met Fred while attending Rollins College in Florida.

The couple had two sons and three grandchildren. 

Mister Rogers' wife Joanne has died at the age of 92, it was announced Thursday

Mister Rogers’ wife Joanne has died at the age of 92, it was announced Thursday

The couple had been married for 50 years before Fred, pictured, died aged 74 in 2003

The couple had been married for 50 years before Fred, pictured, died aged 74 in 2003

Joanne Rogers on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood show in 1975

Joanne Rogers on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood show in 1975 

Joanne Rogers attends the U.S. Postal Service Dedication of the Mister Rogers Forever Stamp at WQED's Fred Rogers Studio on March 23, 2018 in Pittsburgh

Joanne Rogers attends the U.S. Postal Service Dedication of the Mister Rogers Forever Stamp at WQED’s Fred Rogers Studio on March 23, 2018 in Pittsburgh

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