Wendy Rieger, who anchored NBC Washington’s afternoon broadcast for more than 25 years until her retirement last December, has reportedly entered the hospice.
Wendy Rieger, who anchored NBC Washington’s afternoon broadcast for more than 25 years until her retirement last December, has entered the hospice.
Anchor Jim Handly gave an update during Friday’s broadcast about Rieger, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma last summer.
“She is being well cared for now at the hospice. She is relaxed, comfortable and with her loved ones,” NBC Washington reported. “Things got harder for Wendy this week.”
We ask you to 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
When she retired last year, Rieger said her retirement had been underway for a few years and she was looking forward to what the future brings. She talked about her farm in Rappahannock County and considered what to do with that land.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser honored Rieger at her retirement by proclaiming December 17, 2021 as Wendy Rieger Day in the district.
Today, I am proud to honor Wendy Rieger on her retirement after an impressive 33 years at NBC Washington by proclaiming Friday, December 17, 2021 in Washington, DC as “Wendy Rieger Day.” pic.twitter.com/FWUGR6mVBm
– Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) December 17, 2021
Those who worked with Rieger and knew her expressed their grief over the news.
Her former colleague Doreen Gentzler shared a photo of the two from October 2020 at Rieger’s home in Rappahannock County.
“She is surrounded by love and support right now and I hope she can see beautiful blue skies ahead,” Gentzler wrote.
Destructive update. 💔 Right now words are not enough. Just know we all love you Wendy. 🙏 https://t.co/rbVo046czI
– Sue Palka DC (@ suepalkafox5dc) April 15, 2022
Rieger’s former colleague Aimee Cho remembered the beloved anchor as one of the “friendliest, strongest and funniest” people she knows.
Heartbroken by the news that our beloved Wendy Rieger is now in hospice. She is one of the sweetest, strongest, funniest and most caring people I know. She means so much to many of us. Sending you all the love in the world, Wendy ❤️ https://t.co/fhTle4KN9a @nbcwashington
– Aimee Cho (@ AimeeCho4) April 15, 2022
Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper said Rieger is one inspiration for her on many levels.
Prior to his television career, which began at CNN’s Washington Bureau, Rieger worked at WAMU as a writer and host. She also worked as an anchor at the WTOP.
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