UPDATE: Feb. 10 ― Charlie Rose is resting comfortably after undergoing heart surgery to replace an artificial aorta value, his “CBS This Morning” co-host Gayle King announced Friday.
“We are so happy to report Charlie’s surgery ... went very well,” King said on the morning news program. “And in typical Charlie Rose fashion, he said he’s excited to get back to work soon.”
PREVIOUSLY:
Charlie Rose is taking a few weeks off to undergo and recover from heart surgery, he announced Wednesday.
In a note on the CBS News website, the acclaimed 75-year-old journalist wrote that he will have an operation on Thursday to replace the artificial aorta valve he received nearly 15 years ago. Rose, who co-hosts “CBS This Morning,” said the decision was voluntary and that he expects to be back on the air in March.
“No one loves life more than I do,” Rose wrote. “I can’t wait to be back completely rested with my heart recharged, my passion for the work ahead purposeful and my joy at life’s pleasures high.”
Rose has hosted “CBS This Morning” alongside Norah O’Donnell and Gayle King since the show premiered in 2012. He is a “60 Minutes” correspondent as well as the executive editor and host of his own PBS nightly news show “Charlie Rose.”
“We’re going to miss our wingman,” O’Donnel said on “CBS This Morning” Wednesday. “But I talked to him last night and he is optimistic and excited about his tune up.”
Read Rose’s full announcement below:
Almost 15 years ago skilled surgeons replaced my aorta valve with a new replacement valve. It has served me well enabling me to live the vigorous, full, complete life you are all so familiar with. No one loves life more than I do.
To continue to live this amazing life so full of challenges and friends, including so many of you in the audience, I have chosen to replace the valve with a new one. The timing is my choice.
So tomorrow, I will undergo surgery which will keep me at the hospital for a few days and then resting for a couple of weeks. I look forward to seeing you in March. In the meantime you are in great hands with my remarkable colleagues, Norah and Gayle backed by the best morning team anywhere.
I can’t wait to be back completely rested with my heart recharged, my passion for the work ahead purposeful and my joy at life’s pleasures high.
Until then, stay close.
