CBS news legend Morley Safer has passed away at the age of 84, shortly after the official announcement of his retirement. Just last week he said his goodbyes to the CBS network, which was in part due to his failing health.
“It’s been a wonderful run, but the time has come to say goodbye to all of my friends at CBS and the dozens of people who kept me on the air.”
Morley was the longest-serving correspondent that 60 Minutes ever had, after joining the show in 1970 just two years after it launched. From that point until last March he stayed loyal to the show and did 919 different news reports.
His journalistic experience also included some great work as a war correspondent, and he spent time on tours in places like Vietnam and China, detailing his experiences.
Anderson Cooper said this about his fellow correspondent:
“He was an extraordinary writer and reporter, and a true gentleman. From his work during the War in Vietnam to his completely unique and evocative pieces for 60 Minutes, he set the standard for what we all want to be as journalists. His kind shall not pass this way again.”
In a tribute about Morley’s life, executive producer of 60 Minutes Jeff Fager spoke about Morley’s stories.
“They were works of art almost. What makes a story a Morley story is his original voice. And by that I mean not just the timbre, but [also] the quality of the storytelling, his writing.”