Walter Cronkite on Deathbed

During the 1970s and 1980s, Walter Cronkite was often cited in viewer opinion polls as "the most trusted man in America." On Saturday his family released the following statement:

"In order to dispel false rumors, Walter Cronkite's family want it known that, sadly, he is very ill and is not expected to recuperate; he is resting at home surrounded by family, friends and a wonderful medical team. We thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes."

Walter Cronkite's last day as anchor of the "CBS Evening News" was on March 6, 1981; he was succeeded the following Monday by Dan Rather. Here is the text of his final statement in that chair:

“This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News; for me, it’s a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. For almost two decades, after all, we’ve been meeting like this in the evenings, and I’ll miss that. But those who have made anything of this departure, I’m afraid have made too much. This is but a transition, a passing of the baton. A great broadcaster and gentleman, Doug Edwards, preceded me in this job, and another, Dan Rather, will follow. And anyway, the person who sits here is but the most conspicuous member of a superb team of journalists; writers, reporters, editors, producers, and none of that will change. Furthermore, I’m not even going away! I’ll be back from time to time with special news reports and documentaries, and, beginning in June, every week, with our science program, Universe. Old anchormen, you see, don’t fade away; they just keep coming back for more. And that’s the way it is: Friday, March 6, 1981. I’ll be away on assignment, and Dan Rather will be sitting in here for the next few years. Good night.”

On his last show, you can see, he modified slightly his goodnight to America, which went this way:

“And that’s the way it is. [the date]. This is Walter Cronkite, CBS News; good night.”

Watch one of America's most dignified, and trustworthy journalists, as he reports on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, in the video attached to this post.