Tim Russert, the longtime host of NBC's "Meet the Press," died suddenly Friday while preparing for his weekly broadcast. He was 58.
Both Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and first lady Maria Shriver, who worked at NBC with Russert, issued statements lamenting the passing of "an American icon in the world of political journalism," as Schwarzenegger described him.
Shriver said:
"Tim Russert was one of my closest friends and he was like a brother to me. He was not only a professional confidant but a personal one. He was always the first person to call me whenever anything happened with my family. And he always called me just to check in and see how I was doing and to encourage me. My heart goes out to his son Luke, his wife Maureen, his father, sister and entire family. They were his joy in life; family and faith were everything to him. He was one of a kind to me and I was lucky enough to have had him as a best friend."
Schwarzenegger said:
"Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn about the death of Tim Russert. Tim was an American icon in the world of political journalism who could relate to everybody. His insightful commentary and tough but fair interviews helped millions of Americans better understand our political system. It is hard to imagine a presidential election without Tim and his trademark graphics and questions on "Meet the Press." American politics and journalism will never be the same without him.
"But Tim was not only one of the top journalists of his generation; he was a close friend, a warm and generous person and a wonderful family man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Maureen, his son, Luke and his entire family."
Here is Schwarzenegger's last appearance on "Meet the Press" with Russert in 2006, shortly after his reelection.
"I love doing sequels, I tell you. But this, without any doubt, is my favorite sequel," Schwarzenegger told Russert.
The Washington Post has more details on Russert's passing.
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