Tony Snow, Dead at 53

July 12, 2008 · Filed Under Celebrities, Fox News, Media

Tony Snow, the former White House press secretary and pundit, died this morning at Georgetown University hospital in Washington D.C.

A syndicated columnist, editor, TV anchor, radio show host and musician, Snow worked in nearly every medium in a career that spanned more than 30 years.

Snow joined FOX in 1996 as the original anchor of “FOX News Sunday” and hosted “Weekend Live” and a radio program, “The Tony Snow Show,” before departing in 2006. He went on to become White House press secretary for President George W. Bush.

Tony Snow was a great journalist and a terrific commentator. I can remember when he took over as White House press secretary from Scott McClellan. He was absolutely amazing in that role, and unlike his predecessor the press corps couldn’t help but like him.

Even when looking pale and losing his hair from battling cancer, Tony always had a smile on his face and positive outlook on life. He will truly be missed and his wife and kids are in our prayers.

Here’s what President Bush said:

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie and Kristi. The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character. … He brought wit, grace and a great love of country to his work. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor. All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer.”

Here’s what Dana Perino said:

“The White House has lost a great friend and a great colleague,” said Perino in a statement released to the media. “We all loved watching him at the podium, but most of all we learned how to love our families and treat each other.”

Here’s what Harry Reid said:

“Tony was a man of unique talent and extraordinary character — a determined spokesman, a dogged conservative, and a dedicated husband and father. His influence on the political dialogue of this country was as remarkable as it was pervasive — but at no time did Tony ever lose perspective on what was truly important in his life, and at no point did he ever lose the famous sense of humor and wit which accompanied that perspective.”

Here’s what John McCain said:

“Tony Snow’s passing is a national loss. His intellect, his decency and his professionalism set a high standard for conservatives in public service and journalism. America will miss his voice and I will miss a friend.”

Click here to read comments from other people who knew Tony

Read about Tony’s battle with cancer

Watch Brit Hume’s tribute to Tony Snow

johnny$ has complete coverage

UPDATE:

Here’s how the sick bastards on the left act when someone they disagree with dies