The prominent NBC4 Washington anchor ‘Wendy Rieger’ loved by everyone died at the age of 65. While she died, the journalist was holding her husband’s hand.
It will come as a surprise to learn that she actually played her part and was consistent for nearly 30 years. She was the news channel’s bright spot, and her humor was always up to something fresh.
Wendy conveyed the news with honesty, love, and competence, and she will be greatly missed. Prior to her involvement on television, she rose to prominence as a burgeoning radio personality due to her voice and writing style.
Wendy was particularly well-known for her coverage of hurricanes, saying during one broadcast, “Note to self: waterproof mascara.” The personality was endearing.
NBC4 Washington Anchor ‘Wendy Rieger’ Died Battling Cancer
Everyone’s shocked and grieving Wendy’s demise. Wendy Rieger, co-anchored the popular 5 p.m. newscast on Washington’s NBC station WRC-TV (Channel 4). Wendy was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a type of cancer last summer.
She underwent surgery and treatment before retiring in December with the intention of savoring the rest of her life and beginning a new phase.
Her cancer returned with a force a few weeks ago. She died on Saturday morning in a Montgomery County hospice facility.
She wrote something in a note to the newsroom, which the staff shared.
“As you know, I have lived my life big and loud. It is my nature. And I’ve had a blast. But a stillness has come over me that is profound and potent. I didn’t know I could be this quiet. Life is not always a test. It is teaching. I must learn this lesson with grace. And I will.”
Mourning our dear Wendy Rieger, we take comfort in the sage words she shared to mark her retirement.
"I have lived my life big and loud," Wendy said. “Life is not always a test. It is a teaching. I must learn this lesson with grace. And I will.” https://t.co/0vKfj5Mhgj pic.twitter.com/DfX5Mt6tDV
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) April 16, 2022
NBC4 Team Published A Heart Touching Statement On Wendy Rieger’s Death
You will be surprised to know that Wendy started her career when she was just 6. The NBC4 team issued the following statement in support of the anchor.
The team added that for more than 30 years, NBC4 Washington audiences profited from her distinct style, which combined comedy, knowledge, and empathy, and that they all are wiser for knowing her.
“We lost our smart, vibrant, wonderful Wendy Rieger today.
Wendy loved life as much as it loved her. She had so many passions and lived life sharing them with everyone she could. For more than 30 years, NBC4 Washington viewers benefited from her unique style that blended humor, intelligence, and compassion, and we are all better at knowing her.
Wendy was diagnosed with brain cancer almost a year ago. She had surgery and treatment, then retired in December with an intent to savor the rest of her life and start a new chapter.
Her cancer returned aggressively several weeks ago, and she died this morning, holding the hand of her husband, Dan.
We send our love to Dan, who was a colleague of ours for decades, and to her brothers, nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.”
We ask that you send some love and good thoughts to our beloved Wendy Rieger. https://t.co/wii3go2QdI pic.twitter.com/5NFcP3vGBP
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) April 15, 2022
Tributes Paid To Wendy Rieger On Twitter
Wendy was well-known. Her Going Green segments were prominent on their newscasts for numerous years.
She also received three Emmy nominations for a special report she made on a home video in Vietnam 20 years after the conflict. And now everyone is paying tribute to the kindest person on social media.
I’m heartbroken over the passing of one of DC’s most beloved anchors, Wendy Rieger.
Wendy delivered the news honestly — with humor, heart, & expertise and she will be missed dearly. Our hearts are with Dan, her @nbcwashington family, and the many, many people who loved Wendy. pic.twitter.com/BAWSJJK3U9
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) April 16, 2022
She will never leave any of us.
She’s left us….but she’ll never really leave any of us. Rest well friend. https://t.co/q8957EieuA
— Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) April 16, 2022
Everyone’s sad.
What a life she lived. So many of us are blessed to have had even a moment in her orbit. I’m sad, and grateful. https://t.co/aDn4uulf6B
— Aaron Gilchrist (@nbcaaron) April 16, 2022
Completely shattered.
I'm shattered. https://t.co/1YFTouu0rZ
— Tom Kierein (@TomKierein) April 15, 2022
She will be remembered.
We mourn and will always remember our dear Wendy Rieger!!! Enjoy your rest in sweet, eternal peace, Wendy!! We'll miss you always!!!🙏🙏🙏🌷https://t.co/OLCa7XmIrT pic.twitter.com/AgCGamzI1B
— Pat Lawson Muse (@PLMuse) April 16, 2022
We send Wendy’s family our condolences. She will always be an iconic personality for all of us. She left the world, but she never left us.
