Gwen Ifill, 'Washington Week,' 'PBS NewsHour,' Host Dead At Age 61

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Journalist and news anchor Gwen Ifill, who was a co-host of PBS's NewsHour and a moderator of "Washington Week," has died after a battle with cancer, PBS confirmed.

She was 61.

Ifill also covered seven presidential campaigns and moderated vice presidential debates in 2004 and 2008.

She took a leave from her nightly show for health reasons earlier this year, never making public her illness. A week ago, she went out on leave again, taking her away from election night coverage.

"It is with extreme sadness that we share the news that Gwen Ifill passed away earlier today surrounded by family and friends," said Paula Kerger, President & CEO, PBS. "Gwen was one of America's leading lights in journalism and a fundamental reason public media is considered a trusted window on the world by audiences across the nation. Her contributions to thoughtful reporting and civic discourse simply cannot be overstated.  She often said that her job was to bring light rather than heat to issues of importance to our society. Gwen did this with grace and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Our sorrow at her passing is a part of our profound gratitude for all that she did for our system and our nation. It was an honor to know Gwen and to work with her. All of us at PBS express our sincere condolences to Gwen's friends and family."

Sara Just, "NewsHour'' executive producer, called Ifill "a standard bearer for courage, fairness and integrity in an industry going through seismic change.''