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'Local Legend': Tributes pour in after beloved NBC anchor Wendy Rieger, 65, dies of brain cancer

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser tweeted, "I'm heartbroken over the passing of one of DC's most beloved anchors, Wendy Rieger"

Renowned Washington, D.C. news anchor Wendy Rieger died at the age of 65 on April 16, a year after confirming her diagnosis with glioblastoma.

Wendy Rieger co-anchored the NBC4 newscast at 5 pm in Washington, D.C. for 20 years and had previously worked at the station for another 15 years. Many of her colleagues, as well as local politicians including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, have paid tribute to her. Rieger was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, in May 2021 and retired in December. The condition has no known cure and is treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Every year, more than 10,000 Americans are killed by the malignancy, which also killed Senator John McCain.

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Rieger's news station announced her death on Saturday, April 17. "We lost our smart, vibrant, wonderful Wendy Rieger today,' the statement read. "For more than 30 years, NBC4 Washington viewers benefited from her unique style that blended humor, intelligence and compassion, and we are all better for knowing her."

The statement added, "Wendy was diagnosed with brain cancer almost a year ago. She had surgery and treatment, then retired in December with an intent to savor the rest of her life and start a new chapter. Her cancer returned aggressively several weeks ago, and she died this morning, holding the hand of her husband, Dan. We send our love to Dan, who was a colleague of ours for decades, and to her brothers, nieces and nephews, and many, many friends."

In the late 1970s, Rieger was attempting to make it as an actor in Norfolk, Virginia, when she accepted a part-time job as a newsreader for a Tidewater-area radio station to supplement her income. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the American University in 1980 and went on to work in radio for WAMU and WTOP.

In 1996, she became an anchor for NBC4. She traversed the world during her career, reporting on storms all down the east coast, the Olympics in Brazil, and a royal wedding in England. She received many local Emmy Awards, including one for a report on Vietnam 20 years after the conflict ended. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks called Rieger a "local legend" while Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan called her "one-of-a-kind." Many of her coworkers, as well as local personalities, paid tribute to the late anchor.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser tweeted, "I'm heartbroken over the passing of one of DC's most beloved anchors, Wendy Rieger."
"Wendy delivered the news honestly — with humor, heart, & expertise and she will be missed dearly," she wrote. "Our hearts are with Dan, her @nbcwashington family, and the many, many people who loved Wendy."

Rieger's NBC colleague Aaron Gilchrist tributed the late anchor in a heartfelt post, captioned, "Wendy never made anyone feel like a stranger," he wrote. "If you entered her space, you were immediately valued. Her warmth enveloped you. Her wit charmed you. Her smile blessed you. Her hug made you feel like family. Her writing paired with her voice was mesmerizing poetry. Storytelling at its best."

"Wendy's death inspires me to remember the joy with which she lived, her devilish grin, her persistent awe, her caring ear and her vibrant, unyielding energy," Gilchrist added. "I am sad and grateful."

NBC 4 PM anchor Pat Lawson Muse wrote on Twitter, "Today, this newsroom table, often reserved for treats, (including #WendyRieger's pies), is instead set up as a tribute to her. Our on-air tributes will continue on News4 at 4, 5 & 6p.m."

Political analyst Tom Sherwood tweeted, "As I will always remember NBC4’s Wendy Rieger. My condolences to her husband Dan, her family, close friends, her NBC4 family, and her vast audience that loved and laughed with her throughout her remarkable career. @politicshour @wcp @nbcwashington"