There are few journalists in history who have had a career as distinguished as Dan Rather's. Having spent 44 years at CBS News, Rather is now in the eighth season of The Big Interview With Dan Rather on AXS TV. At the age of 88, when asked about retirement, Dan laughs it off. "I can't say I never think about it, but I don’t dwell on it for long," he tells Closer from his home in New York, where he resides with his wife of 63 years, Jean.
“My parents and their parents were hardworking people, and I've always had a deep love for journalism,” Dan shares. “As long as I maintain my health, I’d like to keep pushing forward. I’d much rather wear out than rust out. There’s still so much to do, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Eight Seasons of Big Interviews: A Journey of Conversations
Highlights from the Show
When it comes to the success of The Big Interview, Dan is nothing short of amazed. “We’ve done over 155 interviews, and that number still surprises me,” he says. Among the memorable moments, he recalls interviewing Willie Nelson, an old friend known for his sharp intellect and broad range of interests. “Dolly Parton was direct and candid, with a fantastic sense of humor. And Debbie Harry from Blondie? I thought she'd be distant, but she offered some profound insights and got deep into her role as a muse for Andy Warhol.”
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Surprising Moments with Ringo Starr
One of the most surprising interviews for Dan was with Ringo Starr. “He was supposed to be with us for only 12 minutes because he had a flight to catch,” Dan recalls. “The person in charge was firm, but I had to change the subject to a charity he cared about deeply. Despite the initial tension, Ringo was so good-humored about it that we ended up chatting for an hour! It was a real battle to keep him in the chair, but it was worth it.”
Reflections on a Career Full of Iconic Interviews
From R.E.M. to Presidents and Revolutionaries
When discussing interviews that stand out, Dan mentions his conversation with R.E.M. about their 1994 song “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” inspired by the infamous 1986 street attack on him. “My feelings about that incident haven’t changed much since 1986,” he admits. “But R.E.M. couldn’t have been more supportive. We’ve stayed friends through it all.”
Among his most memorable interviews, Dan recalls speaking with Martin Luther King Jr. in the early '60s and Nelson Mandela on the night of his release after 27 years in prison. “I’ve spoken with every president since Harry Truman,” he adds. “And my interview with Saddam Hussein during the first Gulf War at the Republican Palace in Baghdad was particularly intense—I was there alone, and it was a tense and anxious time.”
The Moment That Changed Everything
Dan’s path to becoming one of the most recognized journalists began during a challenging time in his life. “I had rheumatic fever from age 11-and-a-half to 14,” he shares. “It was almost as debilitating as polio, with no known cure. I was bedridden for years, and the radio became my constant companion. Listening to great correspondents like Edward R. Murrow and Eric Sevareid during World War II sparked my passion for journalism. They were doing meaningful work in faraway places, and it seemed adventurous.”
Covering History: John F. Kennedy’s Assassination
Dan’s national prominence grew after covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in 1963. “It was like an emotional earthquake, a sledgehammer to the heart,” he recalls. “I struggled to keep my emotions in check, focusing solely on my professional responsibilities. I remember thinking that I might never tell a story as impactful as that one.”
Life at CBS: A Magical Kingdom of Truth and Justice
Reflecting on his time at CBS, Dan says, “I may be as dumb as a brick wall, but I’m smart enough to know how blessed I was to be there for 44 years. For 24 of those years, I was the anchoring managing editor of the CBS Evening News, and I spent a lot of time on 60 Minutes. It was a magical era, beyond anything I could have dreamed of. The camaraderie was incredible. We were like knights on a quest for truth, justice, and the American way. Some might laugh and say it wasn’t entirely true, but because we believed it, it made us better and created a better environment.”
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Lessons Learned as an Anchor
When asked about lessons from his time as an anchor, Dan emphasizes the importance of gratitude, humility, and modesty. “When everyone tells you how great you are, it’s easy to let your ego soar,” he explains. “But if not kept in check, it can ruin you. Thankfully, my family and friends were always there to ground me when I started getting too big for my britches.”
Challenges and Setbacks
Dan was fired in 2006 after airing a story alleging that President George W. Bush went AWOL during his time in the Texas Air National Guard. An investigation claimed the piece disregarded “fundamental journalistic principles.” “The process wasn’t perfect, and we made mistakes, but we reported a true story,” Dan says. “I was disappointed that corporate management didn’t stand by it, but I walked out with my head held high. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but I’ve been blessed with another 14 years of full-time work.”
Family and Personal Life: The Rock That Keeps Him Grounded
Jean, the Love of His Life
Dan met his wife, Jean, while working at KTRH radio in Houston, where she held a secretarial position. “It was love at first sight for me,” he says. “Not only was she intelligent, but she was also incredibly attractive. It took some time to convince her to marry me, but it was worth the wait. There’s no secret to our long marriage—it takes work. Having two wonderful children has helped. Thanks to Jean, they’ve grown into exceptional adults. Even during my time covering the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam, I never took our relationship for granted. If Jean were to leave me, I wouldn’t be worth much.”
Family Updates: A Legacy of Excellence
Dan’s daughter Robin, 61, is a successful businesswoman specializing in sustainability and environmental activism. His son Danjack, 59, recently retired after 33 years as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. “Danjack is a world-class human,” Dan says proudly. “His son Martin, 23, is running a political campaign for a state legislature candidate. Robin’s son Andy, 18, recently returned from Nepal after taking time off from college to engage in public service work there.”
Life at 88: Staying Active and Grateful
Dan is currently quarantined in his New York home but remains actively engaged in his work. “I don’t like talking about age, but at 88, I’m in a prime age group to be susceptible to this virus,” he says. “But I’m still going strong and grateful for every day.”
Living by a Strong Philosophy
Asked about any mottos he lives by, Dan recalls his maternal grandmother’s words: “Strong timber does not grow at ease. The stronger the breeze, the stronger the tree.” He also remembers his brother Don’s coach’s saying: “You are what your record is.” “I am what my record is, and I’ll stand on that,” Dan concludes.
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