Bob Edwards was a renowned American broadcast journalist who hosted NPR’s flagship programs, “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition”, for more than 30 years. He also had a successful career on Sirius XM Radio and Public Radio International, where he continued to interview prominent figures and cover important news stories.
He died in 2024 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and integrity in radio journalism. Edwards was married three times in his life. There is a curiosity among his fans to know who was his first wife and what happened to their marriage.
Who is Bob Edwards’ First Wife?
Joan Murphy is the first wife of Bob Edwards. She was a part of his early years when he was starting his career in radio journalism and she accompanied him to Korea. She was a smart and independent woman, who had her ambitions and achievements. She was a mystery to many, but a memory to Edwards, who never forgot her.
How Did Bob Edwards & Joan Murphy Met?
Bob Edwards met Joan Murphy in the late 1960s, when he was working as a radio news anchor for the Mutual Broadcasting System in Washington, D.C. Joan Murphy was a secretary at the same company and they soon fell in love and got married.
They moved to Seoul, South Korea, where Edwards served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War producing and anchoring television and radio news programs for the American Forces Korea Network.
According to Edwards’ memoir, A Voice in the Box: My Life in Radio, he and Joan Murphy enjoyed their time in Seoul, exploring the city and its culture and making friends with other expatriates. Edwards described Joan Murphy as a “beautiful, intelligent and adventurous” woman, who supported his career and shared his passion for radio.
Did Bob Edwards & Joan Murphy Have Kids?
Bob Edwards and Joan Murphy did not have biological kids. They adopted a Korean boy, whom they named Brean Campbell. As of yet, this much is known related to their kid.
The End of Bob Edwards and Joan Murphy’s Marriage
However, their marriage did not last long. After returning to the U.S., Edwards and Joan Murphy drifted apart, as he pursued his career in NPR and she pursued her interests. Edwards wrote that they had “different goals and different needs” and that they were “too young and too immature” to make their marriage work.
They divorced in 1974, after six years of marriage. Edwards and Joan Murphy remained in touch for a while, but eventually lost contact. Edwards said that he regretted losing her as a friend and that he wished he had done more to save their marriage.
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Who is the Second Wife of Bob Edwards?
Bob Edwards’s second wife was Sharon Kelly, a former actress and producer, with whom he had two daughters, Eleanor and Susannah. They got married in 1979 and divorced in 2010.
Who is the Third Wife of Bob Edwards?
His third and last wife was Windsor Johnston, a fellow NPR journalist who announced his death and expressed her love and gratitude for him.
Johnston posted on Facebook to notify Bob’s passing, stating that his two children were with him. Windsor said, “Well wishes, loving memories and messages of healing” were what Bob was grateful for. She continued:
“The world of broadcasting has lost a behemoth. Bob was an absolute master at his skill and left an indelible mark on the field of journalism. He was a stickler for even the tiniest of details and lived by the philosophy that less is more.”
Have a look at the post provided below:
The comments section of the post was flooded with tributes from those who were familiar with Bob’s work over the years. He married Windsor Johnston in 2011 and they stayed together until he died in 2024. Edwards said that he loved all of his wives and that they all contributed to his happiness and success.
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