Jean Rather, the wife of former CBS anchor Dan Rather, has died at the age of 89, according to a post shared on her husband's Facebook page.
"Today is the saddest of days for Dan and the extended Rather family. Jean Rather, Dan’s wife, passed away at their home in Austin, Texas, early this morning," the post, which was written by "friends of Dan," stated. "She had been on hospice care for some time, but the news still comes as a shock for those of us who knew and loved her. Please keep the Rathers in your thoughts. Jean lived a full life as an incredible wife, mother, friend, and artist — and a true Texan."
Jean, who had been married to Dan for 67 years, was reported to be "a very accomplished artist" and had her work showcased "in galleries and private collections" nationwide. The Texas native was New York City's Painter Member and Vice Chair of the Art Commission prior to her death.
"Many dear friends have been wonderful companions, and their love and support meant the world to her,” the obituary post stated.
Dan and Jean first men when he was working at a radio station in Houston during the late 1950s, which he'd previously told Closer Weekly was "love at first sight."
“Not only was she so intelligent, she was smoking hot, and it took me a while to convince her to marry me. I don’t think there’s any secret about it," Rather said at the time.
The couple, who shared a son and daughter, moved back to Texas in 2021, 15 years after his official exit from his anchor position at CBS. No cause of death was given as of Wednesday (November 27) morning.