Lou Dobbs speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md., on Feb. 24, 2017. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)
By Zachary Stieber | Epoch Times
Lou Dobbs, a longtime television host, has died at age 78.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of ’the great Lou Dobbs,’” his representatives said in a statement on July 18.
“Lou was a fighter till the very end—fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family, and the country.”
Former President Donald Trump was among those mourning Mr. Dobbs, whom he described on social media as “a friend and truly incredible journalist, reporter, and talent.”
“Lou Dobbs was an exceptionally kind, generous, gracious, wonderful man in an industry that rewards none of those qualities. Yet he remained as kind as ever to the end,” Sean Davis, co-founder and CEO of The Federalist, said. “What a patriot.”
Mr. Dobbs leaves behind his wife, Debi Segura, and a number of children and grandchildren.
Born in Texas, he began in the news business as a reporter for KBLU, a radio station in Arizona. Mr. Dobbs went on to host shows for other local stations before joining CNN in 1980.
He left CNN in 2009, memorably announcing his departure on-air.
“It has become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us, and some leaders in media, politics, and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible,” Mr. Dobbs said at the time.
After hosting a daily show for several years, Mr. Dobbs joined Fox News. His show debuted in 2011 and ran through 2021.
Fox canceled Mr. Dobbs’s program after being sued over election fraud allegations.
After leaving Fox, he continued hosting a program, which aired on his website and iHeart Radio.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Dobbs,“ a Fox spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email. ”An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry. We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Mr. Dobbs was known for being a staunch opponent of illegal immigration, a topic he regularly touched on during his show. He openly supported former President Donald Trump and some of his policies.
Mr. Dobbs over his life won numerous awards, including an Emmy for Lifetime Achievement.
