Fox News hosts paid emotional on-air tributes to colleague and columnist Charles Krauthammer on Friday upon his announcement he had only a few weeks to live. The tributes came amid an outpouring of similar reflections from the Washington Post, journalists and elected officials alike.
The syndicated Washington Post columnist and longtime ubiquitous "Special Report" panelist on Fox News wrote the cancer he had been fighting over the past year had aggressively returned, and his doctors informed him he would not survive it.
"This is the final verdict. My fight is over," he wrote. "I wish to thank my doctors and caregivers, whose efforts have been magnificent."
"Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace revealed he'd been privately informed of Krauthammer's condition 10 days earlier, and he called the public announcement of his diagnosis "quintessential Krauthammer."
"It is so graceful," he said. "It is so honest. It is so brave."
Wallace said Krauthammer lived a life of "great consequence" in spite of his handicaps; he was left paralyzed by a diving accident during his first year of medical school in 1972. Now known for his conservative views, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Krauthammer worked as a speechwriter in the Jimmy Carter administration.
"Charles, if you’re out there, if you’re watching this with your beloved wife Robin and your dear son Daniel, who I know have been such a support to you in so many ways, I want you to know that I love you ... and feel so honored to consider myself a colleague of yours," Wallace said. "You are a great man."
Fox News commentator Juan Williams, a frequent sparring partner of Krauthammer's on "Special Report," complimented his "astounding" intellect and talked about his passions outside of policies, like baseball and chess.
"Special Report" host Bret Baier said Krauthammer's voice throughout his illness has been missed, and he relayed Krauthammer's dry humor often had guests cracking up between segments.
"I'm just really happy that he has put this out, so that he can see how much the world loves him, and how much he changed the world," Baier said.
Host Dana Perino said Krauthammer's Friday column at the Washington Post was the first piece she read every morning before the advent of the Internet.
The Washington Post editorial board penned a tribute, calling Friday—the day his column printed in the newspaper—Charles' day.
"He sought, rather, to provoke us to think, to enlarge our understanding, at times to make us laugh. Like few others, he succeeded, week after week, Friday after Friday, year after year," the board wrote.
"His unsparing judgments were cheered by some readers while angering others. But few could disagree that he wrote a column of breathtaking range and intelligence and integrity."
Support also flowed in for Krauthammer on Twitter, including from Vice President Mike Pence.
Karen and I were saddened to learn that Charles @Krauthammer, a man we greatly admire, is nearing the end of his extraordinary life. His wit, his wisdom, and his tireless defense of Western values have made an indelible mark on the minds of millions of Americans. pic.twitter.com/tc5TkmyWTm
— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) June 8, 2018
I knew this was coming, but that doesn't lessen the agony of this announcement. Charles Krauthammer is one of the most brilliant, decent, humane, impressive people I have ever had the honor to know, never mind call a friend. I am heartbroken over this. https://t.co/DRC8YoFwN0
— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) June 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/KirstenPowers/status/1005119278113329152
This note from @Krauthammer is terribly sad news on a day already filled with anguish. Charles writes that his end is near but knows his life has been a race well run. How I will miss his words and wisdom. But will refer to them always for future guidance. https://t.co/eDIplQrToQ
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) June 8, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Mr. Krauthammer and his family, friends, colleagues, viewers and readers. https://t.co/oeXpDS4kk1
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 8, 2018
I’ve met many extraordinary people in my 57 years. Charles Krauthammer is without question the most extraordinary.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) June 8, 2018
Charles Krauthammer is obviously brilliant, courageous and principled, but what leaps to mind is his boyish joy watching game after game at Nat’s Park. The sweetness of his heart matches the rigor of his intellect.
— David Brooks (@nytdavidbrooks) June 8, 2018
Charles Krauthammer is a monumental thinker who will go down in history as a key force in the revivification of philosophical and practical conservatism. This is absolutely tragic. https://t.co/bptHVyroED
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) June 8, 2018
There is no greater thought leader in this country than Charles Krauthammer. He has inspired me, made me laugh, made me think, and made me a better person. He is, quite simply, a national treasure. There’s Krauthammer, and there’s all the rest. All my love to you & yours, Charles
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 8, 2018
God bless Charles Krauthammer. His absence has been felt dearly & will be so for years to come, but we are so much better for all the years of wisdom he gave us.
— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) June 8, 2018