Wendy Rieger, who anchored NBC Washington’s afternoon broadcast for more than 25 years until her retirement last December, has entered hospice care.
Anchor Jim Handly gave an update during Friday’s broadcast on Rieger, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma last summer.
“She is being well taken care of now in hospice. She is relaxed, comfortable and with her closest loved ones,” NBC Washington reported. “Things got harder for Wendy this week.”
We ask that you send some love and good thoughts to our beloved Wendy Rieger. https://t.co/wii3go2QdI pic.twitter.com/5NFcP3vGBP
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) April 15, 2022
When she retired late last year, Rieger said her retirement had been in the works for a couple years, and she was looking forward to what the future holds. She talked about her farm in Rappahannock County and pondered what to do with that land.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser honored Rieger on her retirement by proclaiming Dec. 17, 2021 as Wendy Rieger Day in the District.
Today, I am proud to honor Wendy Rieger on her retirement after an impressive 33-years at NBC Washington by proclaiming Friday, December 17, 2021 in Washington, DC as “Wendy Rieger Day.” pic.twitter.com/FWUGR6mVBm
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) December 17, 2021
Those who worked with Rieger and knew her expressed their sadness at the news.
Her former colleague Doreen Gentzler shared a photo of the two of them from October 2020 at Rieger’s Rappahannock County home.
“She’s surrounded by love and support right now and I hope she can see beautiful blue skies ahead,” Gentzler wrote.
Devastating update. 💔 Right now words aren’t sufficient. Just know that we all love you Wendy. 🙏 https://t.co/rbVo046czI
— Sue Palka DC (@suepalkafox5dc) April 15, 2022
Rieger’s former colleague Aimee Cho recalled the beloved anchor as one of the “kindest, strongest & funniest” people she knows.
Heartbroken by the news that our beloved Wendy Rieger is now in hospice. She’s one of the kindest, strongest, funniest & most caring people I know. She means so much to many of us. Sending you all the love in the world, Wendy ❤️ https://t.co/fhTle4KN9a @nbcwashington
— Aimee Cho (@AimeeCho4) April 15, 2022
Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper said Rieger is an inspiration to her on many levels. Fellow Storm Team4 meteorologist Chuck Bell provided his own statement on Rieger’s condition.
My friend Wendy has been young and beautiful her whole life. Full stop. Here’s proof. And that’s what I love most about her. https://t.co/Ui7bZIZCIz
— Chuck Bell (@ChuckBell4) April 16, 2022
Before her television career, which began at CNN’s Washington Bureau, Rieger worked at WAMU as a writer and host. She also worked as an anchor at WTOP.
