Tucker Carlson Reveals Personal Loss
Tucker Carlson has shared the profound grief of his father’s passing, revealing a remarkable life story that spans adventure, journalism and unwavering resilience.
Carlson revealed on X that Richard Warner Carlson, an 84-year-old former investigative reporter and U.S. Marine, died on Monday in Boca Raton, Florida, after a six-week battle with illness that tested his legendary endurance.
Obituary for my father.
Richard Warner Carlson died at 84 on March 24, 2025 at home in Boca Grande, Florida after six weeks of illness. He refused all painkillers to the end and left this world with dignity and clarity, holding the hands of his children with his dogs at his… pic.twitter.com/4lMygMkSIT
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) March 26, 2025
The veteran newsman’s final moments were a powerful testament to his indomitable spirit, as he refused painkillers and passed away with extraordinary dignity, surrounded by his devoted children and beloved dogs.
Just 16 months after losing his wife Patricia–a loss that deeply affected him–Richard Carlson’s life story reads like an extraordinary American narrative of transformation, challenge, and ultimate triumph.
From a turbulent youth marked by grand theft auto charges and multiple high school expulsions to a distinguished career in the Marine Corps and investigative journalism, Richard Carlson embodied an unbreakable spirit that would define his entire life’s journey.
His early years were anything but predictable, with legal troubles and academic challenges that might have derailed a lesser man’s trajectory.
Instead, these experiences became the crucible that forged his remarkable character.
Tucker’s portrayal of his father reveals a man of profound complexity and depth.
“He was a free thinker and a compulsive book reader,” the ex-Fox News host wrote, highlighting an intellectual curiosity that knew no bounds.
He explained that Richard’s approach to parenting was far from conventional, transforming dinner times into epic educational experiences that spanned global history, literature, and philosophical inquiry.
The elder Carlson’s journalistic career was a testament to his courage and commitment to truth.
Working as an investigative reporter, he scaled back his profession after sustaining a severe injury during the 1965 Los Angeles Watts riots – a moment that could have ended another’s career but merely redirected Richard’s passion for understanding the world.
His extensive personal library, meticulously annotated with thousands of dog-eared books and margin notes, stands as a monument to his lifelong commitment to learning and intellectual exploration.
Tucker credits his father with directly inspiring his own journalistic path – a career that has seen significant transformations and captured national attention, particularly after his departure from Fox News.
Newsweek reported that the Carlson family’s conservative roots run deep, with a legacy of public service and media engagement that extends beyond Tucker’s immediate career.
Richard’s intellectual and personal philosophy was perhaps best captured in his son’s loving description: “He left a library of thousands of books, most dog-eared and filled with marginalia. His reading and life experiences convinced him that God is real. He had an outlaw spirit tempered by decency.”
This powerful summation encapsulates a life lived with passion, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to personal truth.
The family’s political engagement continues through the next generation.
Tucker’s brother Buckley has worked as a communications manager and political operative within the Republican Party, while his son–also named Buckley–recently joined the White House press team for Vice President J.D. Vance.
That’s awesome! Good for him!
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) January 27, 2025
Richard W. Carlson is survived by his sons Tucker and Buckley, daughter-in-law Susie, and five grandchildren. Tucker’s final tribute powerfully summarized his father’s essence: “He was the toughest human being anyone in his family ever knew, and also the kindest and most loyal.”
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Leave a Comment