R.I.P. Peter Jennings

One of the most memorable presence in nightly news passed away at the age of 67. Peter Jennings, lost his battle to lung cancer leaving many in shock and in tears. Aeki Tuesday grew up watching Peter Jennings, almost every night we'd tune in to watch him on World News Tonight.

In April Jennings announced that he had lung cancer. "I will continue to do the broadcast. On good days, my voice will not always be like this," he said in an announcement on World News Tonightm. [view video] He had stopped smoking 20 years ago and started again under the pressure of September 11 but later quit. During the past four months he underwent numerous chemotherapy sessions. Although Jennings occasionally came to the office between chemotherapy treatments, he never again appeared on the air.

Peter Jennings was a unique figure who had a natural curiosity. He was the consummate professional and a reliable voice through changing times. Barbara Walters put it best: "No one could ad lib like Peter. You would think that it was all scripted, he was so poetic, but it wasn't." [CNN]

He will be missed.

Related Links:
NY Times Obituary Page
National Post
BBC News
Lung Cancer Awareness
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