For Meredith Vieira, family isn’t just a part of her life—it’s the cornerstone. Her three children, Gabriel, Lily, and Benjamin Cohen, whom she shares with her late husband Richard Cohen, mean everything to her. Meredith often describes raising them as her greatest accomplishment. It’s clear that her love for her family defines who she is today.
Meredith has always admired her own mother, and becoming a mom herself gave her a newfound appreciation for everything her mom did for her when she was younger. “Once I became a mom, all I really wanted to be was her,” a source close to Meredith once told Closer Weekly. She explained, “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want to be tied down; I want to go out into the world and carve my own path.’ But once I had kids, I realized how much I wanted to be just like my mom—her values, her strength, everything she instilled in me.”
In December 2024, Meredith lost her beloved husband Richard to pneumonia after a two-month battle. He passed away surrounded by family and love on Christmas Eve. It was a devastating loss, but one that only deepened Meredith’s commitment to her family.
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Benjamin Cohen: The Eldest Son
Benjamin is the oldest of Meredith’s children, and his departure for college marked a significant chapter in both their lives. When he left home, Meredith wasn’t fully prepared for the void his absence would leave. In her journal, she once wrote, “I’ve been burying my emotions—the real sense of loss I’ve been feeling—because I didn’t want to burden him. I ask myself, ‘Why am I feeling so anxious?’ And I realize it’s because, despite all my confidence, deep down, I’m just really sad. But of course, I don’t show that to Ben. He doesn’t need to see his mom falling apart.”
Even though Benjamin no longer lives at home, they remain incredibly close. During the coronavirus pandemic, when Meredith and Richard were quarantining together, Ben kept in touch regularly. “We do Zoom calls and talk every single day,” Meredith revealed to Closer. Despite the distance, their bond remains unshaken.
As Meredith became an empty nester, she found herself adjusting to this new phase of life. Though her kids aren’t living with her anymore, they still stay connected daily. “It’s gotten to the point where Lily and I will call each other just to say, ‘What’s new?’ And we both answer, ‘Nothing, what’s new with you?’ And then it’s like, ‘Nothing, okay, bye!’” Meredith joked to Closer Weekly. “But even though our conversations might not be long, we talk every single day. That’s what matters most.”
Gabriel Cohen: The Middle Child
Gabe is the middle child in the family, and he brought immense joy to Meredith when he announced his engagement in April 2019. During an episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna, Meredith shared the exciting news with viewers. “A few weeks ago, I was on air talking to Hoda, and I told her I had a secret I couldn’t share. Well, now I can tell everyone—my son Gabe got engaged!” she beamed.
Meredith went on to describe the romantic proposal. Gabe popped the question to his fiancée, former KHQ reporter Alli Flicker, by a serene little lake. To make the moment even more special, he gave Alli Meredith’s own engagement ring. “It was such a sweet and meaningful gesture,” Meredith gushed. The couple’s love story continues to warm hearts everywhere.
Lily Cohen: The Honest One
Lily is the youngest of the trio and is known for her candid personality. Fans got a glimpse into Meredith’s kitchen during an episode of The Meredith Vieira Show, thanks to Lily’s humorous commentary. “We’ve got a bunch of the same empty salad dressing bottles,” Lily said, holding them up to the camera. “Because why throw them away when you can keep them in the fridge?” Her observation sparked laughter among viewers.
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Lily didn’t stop there. She then took the camera to her mom’s pantry, declaring it looked like a “fraternity house.” But the highlight came when she showed off Meredith’s stove, which she jokingly referred to as “the scene of a crime.” The reason? Meredith attempted to cook steak for the family 45 minutes after they’d already ordered Chinese food. Classic Meredith!
Meredith told Closer that she adores her daughter’s intelligence and ability to choose great friends. “Lily is a smart kid who has always surrounded herself with really good people,” Meredith said proudly. Clearly, Lily inherits her mom’s wit and charm.
