Susan Stamberg, who spent decades working at NPR and was known as one of the “Founding Mothers” of the network, has died at the age of 87.
She spent more than 50 years working for the organization, announcing her retirement earlier this year before her final day on September 1st.
Susan Stamberg originally joined NPR in 1971. She later became the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program, as she hosted All Things Considered for more than a decade before shifting her attention to Weekend Edition Sunday.
During her long tenure with the outlet, Stamberg has been routinely recognized for her work. She is a member of the Broadcast Hall of Fame as well as the Radio Hall of Fame. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“A true humanitarian, she believed in the power of great journalism,” Stamberg’s son Josh said in a statement. “Her life’s work was connection, through ideas and culture.”
“Few figures have informed the sensibility of NPR more than Stamberg,” NPR’s David Folkenflik said of his former co-worker. “Colleagues considered her a mentor, a matchmaker, a founding mother — always tough, and always true to herself.”
In her most recent role with the outlet, Stamberg served as a special correspondent for NPR, mainly covering arts and humanities. She is survived by her son, and granddaughters Lena and Vivian.
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