Joanne Rogers, widow of television icon Fred Rogers, has died at 92

Joanne Rogers, “the loving partner” of the end Fred Rogers TV Icon, died at age 92, according to a declaration released Thursday by Fred Rogers Productions. The couple had been married for over 50 years before Fred, widely known as Mister Rogers, died in 2003 stomach cancer at 74.

The production company praised Joanne’s contribution to supporting children, families and the arts.

“Joanne was a brilliant and accomplished musician, a wonderful advocate for the arts and a dear friend to everyone in our organization,” the statement read. “We offer our deepest condolences to Joanne’s family and to the thousands of people who have had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

The city of Pittsburgh called Joanne one of her “favorite neighbors” on Twitter and the city’s mayor told CBS Pittsburgh that with her “grace, humor and down-to-earth attitude,” she “personifies what we love about City of Pittsburgh ”. She also received the George Romero Legacy Award 2019 at the 2019 Elly Awards from Steeltown Entertainment, according to the station, and has been recognized for helping filmmakers learn more about their industry.

Joanne was a classically trained pianist and was known for her “wonderful sense of humor with a recognizable generous laugh,” according to a biography provided by Fred Rogers Productions. She had also participated in one of The first shows of Fred Rogers, “Children’s corner”, on PBS.

She also spoke in favor of the 2019 film “A beautiful day in the neighborhoodand Tom Hanks, who played her husband, told CBS Pittsburgh.

“Loved it. I think Tom is a genius, almost. I want to give credit – Tom Hanks got a lot, a lot of good press and he deserves every part of it,” she said at the time.