Meredith Vieira on Her Husband's MS: "There Are Days I Can’t Stand It"
Meredith Vieira's husband, fellow journalist Richard Cohen, has been living with MS for 46 years.
While Vieira and Cohen have faced the illness with poise and grace, the former co-host of Today admits it hasn't always been easy. "There are days I can’t stand it," Vieira told People, "and the limitations it puts on the entire family."
Meredith Vieira is an open book. The journalist, former Today show host, and moderator of The View has spoken out about everything from her struggles with infertility and body image to why she stayed in an abusive relationship. And earlier this week, Vieira got candid about another issue near and dear to her heart: her husband's MS. In an interview with People, Vieira admitted watching her husband Richard Cohen battle the autoimmune disease has been tough.
“It’s been a constant search to navigate and make my own way,” Vieira said. “But you have to pick your path and be happy.”
Cohen was diagnosed with MS 10 years before he met Vieira, when he was just 25 years old. While some days are better than others—Vieira told People that today, Cohen is “doing okay"—multiple sclerosis is a gradual and incurable disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms vary.
“It’s a progressive illness, so you don’t know from day to day," Vieira said.
The good news is Cohen has made some improvement. "He needs a walker, and since he’s been using it, he’s much stronger," Vieira said. But she also admitted she and Cohen still struggle.
“We definitely allow each other to vent,” Vieira told People. “That’s part of the deal. Certainly he’s allowed to vent, because he’s got chronic illness. But I am too. Because there are days I can’t stand it and the limitations it puts on the entire family. It’s good to say it. But we don’t dwell. You can think, ‘Why us?’ but then it’s like, ‘Why not us?’ So many people are dealing with stuff and it puts it into perspective.”
Cohen isn't the only celebrity living with MS. In 1999, talk show host Montel Williams went public with his diagnosis. In 2018, Selma Blair revealed she was battling multiple sclerosis, and more than 2.3 million others are affected by this disease.
As for what comes next for Vieira, both personally and professionally, the mother of three is preparing for her son Gabe's wedding and for the launch of her new gameshow, 25 Words or Less.
For more ways to live your best life plus all things Oprah, sign up for our newsletter!
