CBS: Andy Rooney Hospitalized In Serious Condition
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) – CBS News' Andy Rooney underwent minor surgery last week and suffered serious complications. For that reason, he remains in the hospital, but his condition is stable.
There was no other information released as to the 92-year-old's condition.
The Rooney family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.
Rooney, who broke into the news business while serving in World War II, has carved out a 62-year career at CBS, ending as a regular commentator on "60 Minutes" this month.
The three-time Emmy-winner was a regular presence on television's most popular news-magazine.
Since 1978, "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney" wrapped up the Sunday night program, often with a look at the absurdities of life and language.
Rooney could talk about what was in the news or what was in his closet. One of his Emmy Awards was for an essay about whether there was a real Mrs. Smith behind Mrs. Smith's Pies.
On Oct. 2, he delivered his 1,097th and final essay, saying it was a moment he dreaded.
"I wish I could do this forever. I can't, though," he said.
True to his often cantankerous nature, Rooney noted that he hated being recognized on the street. So if you see him in a restaurant, he said as he signed off, "please, just let me eat my dinner."
He's had a long career as a writer, and that's how he saw himself. He worked for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes and wrote four books about World War II. He wrote for entertainment personalities Arthur Godfrey and Garry Moore and had a longtime partnership with newsman Harry Reasoner.
With "60 Minutes" looking for something new at the end of its show, Rooney's first essay appeared on July 2, 1978: a complaint about people who kept track of how many people died in auto accidents over holiday weekends.
Share your thoughts in our comments section below...
(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
