Joanne Rogers, the widow of Fred Rogers, has died at the age of 92.David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” confirmed she died Thursday.Newell said she had been hospitalized for several days.Joanne Rogers had been carrying on her late husband’s legacy in Pittsburgh since his death in 2003.Her beloved husband Fred Rogers was Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbor, but Joanne Rogers was a Pittsburgh fixture herself. She shared Fred Rogers’ message of kindness through the city and throughout the world. Duquesne University honored her in 2019 with an honorary degree. When Tom Hanks filmed “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” in Pittsburgh, in which he starred as Fred Rogers, he developed a close bond with Joanne Rogers.“I did have the chance to tell him that Fred loved his work. It’s almost providential that he’s doing this. Fred loved Forrest Gump,” Joanne said in a 2018 interview with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. Joanne Rogers’ legacy included several honors, including an award in 2019 that credited her with preserving Fred Rogers’ legacy in Pittsburgh and helping young people learn about film and media, and the Loving Kindness Award from the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Read the statement from Fred Rogers Productions: Read the statement from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto below: “Through her grace, humor and down-to-earth demeanor Joanne Rogers personified what we love about the City of Pittsburgh. As the partner of Fred Rogers for a half-century she helped champion his good works to a global audience, and remained committed to his vision and to this city after his passing. “She was always there when we needed her. I and countless others, from every walk of life, were humbled to call her a friend.” Read the statement from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf:”Heartbroken to learn of the loss of Joanne Rogers, one of our favorite neighbors.”Joanne and Fred were Pennsylvania treasures committed to improving our communities and the lives of our children.”We will never forget their legacy of kindness.”Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald issued the following statement on the death of Joanne Rogers:“I was sorry to hear the news that Joanne Rogers has died. For many years, she has continued to carry on and fulfill the legacy of her husband, ensuring that the focus of work remains on our children. “It is a sad day in our neighborhood.“My deepest sympathies to her family and friends on this great loss.” Read the statement from Duquesne University President Ken Gormley on the death of Joanne Rogers, who received an honorary degree from Duquesne in 2019, below:”Joanne Rogers was a sparkling light in Pittsburgh. She was an incurably joyous, optimistic presence in her husband, Fred’s, life and his steady inspiration. Joanne’s spirit touched every part of this city she called home. When we presented her with an honorary degree during Duquesne University’s 2019 commencement, she beamed and told the graduating students, “You are special,” invoking one of Fred’s favorite songs. Joanne Rogers was more than special. She will be a permanent part of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and, for those of us who knew and loved her, she will always remain in our hearts.”
Joanne Rogers, the widow of Fred Rogers, has died at the age of 92.
David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” confirmed she died Thursday.
Newell said she had been hospitalized for several days.
Joanne Rogers had been carrying on her late husband’s legacy in Pittsburgh since his death in 2003.
Her beloved husband Fred Rogers was Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbor, but Joanne Rogers was a Pittsburgh fixture herself. She shared Fred Rogers’ message of kindness through the city and throughout the world.
Duquesne University honored her in 2019 with an honorary degree.
When Tom Hanks filmed “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” in Pittsburgh, in which he starred as Fred Rogers, he developed a close bond with Joanne Rogers.
“I did have the chance to tell him that Fred loved his work. It’s almost providential that he’s doing this. Fred loved Forrest Gump,” Joanne said in a 2018 interview with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.
Joanne Rogers’ legacy included several honors, including an award in 2019 that credited her with preserving Fred Rogers’ legacy in Pittsburgh and helping young people learn about film and media, and the Loving Kindness Award from the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh.
Read the statement from Fred Rogers Productions:
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Read the statement from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto below:
“Through her grace, humor and down-to-earth demeanor Joanne Rogers personified what we love about the City of Pittsburgh. As the partner of Fred Rogers for a half-century she helped champion his good works to a global audience, and remained committed to his vision and to this city after his passing.
“She was always there when we needed her. I and countless others, from every walk of life, were humbled to call her a friend.”
Read the statement from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf:
“Heartbroken to learn of the loss of Joanne Rogers, one of our favorite neighbors.
“Joanne and Fred were Pennsylvania treasures committed to improving our communities and the lives of our children.
“We will never forget their legacy of kindness.”
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald issued the following statement on the death of Joanne Rogers:
“I was sorry to hear the news that Joanne Rogers has died. For many years, she has continued to carry on and fulfill the legacy of her husband, ensuring that the focus of work remains on our children.
“It is a sad day in our neighborhood.
“My deepest sympathies to her family and friends on this great loss.”
Read the statement from Duquesne University President Ken Gormley on the death of Joanne Rogers, who received an honorary degree from Duquesne in 2019, below:
“Joanne Rogers was a sparkling light in Pittsburgh. She was an incurably joyous, optimistic presence in her husband, Fred’s, life and his steady inspiration. Joanne’s spirit touched every part of this city she called home. When we presented her with an honorary degree during Duquesne University’s 2019 commencement, she beamed and told the graduating students, “You are special,” invoking one of Fred’s favorite songs. Joanne Rogers was more than special. She will be a permanent part of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and, for those of us who knew and loved her, she will always remain in our hearts.”