Tucker Carlson honors dad Richard ‘Dick’ Carlson after veteran journalist and diplomat dies at 84

BOCA GRANDE, FLORIDA: Richard 'Dick' Carlson, a renowned journalist, political operative, and diplomat, died at the age of 84.

His son, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, confirmed his death on Wednesday, March 26, revealing that his father died on March 24 at home in Boca Grande, Florida, following brief illness, The Wrap reported.

Tucker Carlson's dad Richard Carlson dies at 84

In an emotional obituary posted on X, Tucker Carlson detailed his father’s final moments, stating that 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 feet".

Carlson's life was a tapestry woven with both personal hardships and professional triumphs. Born in 1941 to a teenage Swedish mother, he was abandoned at a Boston orphanage and later raised in foster care before being adopted by the Carlson family. His adoptive father died when he was just 12, setting him on a turbulent path that eventually led him to journalism and public service.

Carlson began his journalism career as a copy boy for the Los Angeles Times before climbing the ranks to become a wire service reporter at UPI and later an investigative reporter and anchor for ABC News. His work took him to the frontlines of some of the most intense moments in American history, including the Watts riots in 1965, where he was badly injured while reporting.

Over the years, he built a network of high-profile acquaintances, from politicians to counterculture figures. He interviewed mafia leaders, members of the Manson family, and even cult leader Jim Jones before the infamous Jonestown massacre. His career in journalism won him multiple accolades, including a Peabody Award for exposing car promotion fraud.

In the political arena, Carlson held several influential positions. Under former president Ronald Reagan, he served as the longest-running director of Voice of America, the US government’s international broadcasting service. Later, he was appointed US ambassador to the Seychelles by President George HW Bush. Following his diplomatic service, he led the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and later worked as the president of King World Public Television until its acquisition by CBS in 1999.

On the personal front, Carlson faced heartbreak. In 1975, his wife left him and their two young sons to pursue a different life in Europe. He devoted himself to raising his children, instilling in them a love for history, literature, and critical thinking.

In 1979, he remarried Patricia Swanson, heir to the Swanson Foods fortune, and they remained together for 44 years until her death in 2022, a loss he grieved deeply. Carlson is survived by his sons Tucker and Buckley, daughter-in-law Susie, and five grandchildren.

As Tucker wrote in his farewell, “He was the toughest human being anyone in his family ever knew, and also the kindest and most loyal. RIP.”

Tributes pour in for Tucker Carlson's father Richard Carlson

Tributes poured in for Richard Carlson after his death at 84. Many praised his remarkable life and legacy, while some couldn’t resist drawing comparisons to his son, Tucker Carlson.

One user reflected, “Sounds like an incredible man. Truly. Your father appears to be a man of integrity that would never sell out. What happened to you?”

Others focused on his diplomatic career and personal interactions. “Very sorry and saddened to hear this, Tucker. I remember meeting him when he was Seychelles ambassador and joking that he and I might have been the only U.S. conservatives then who knew its capital (Victoria) or could find it on a map. Great man who clearly raised a great son," said one.

Another wrote, “Condolences to one of the finest men I know."

One added, “So very sorry for your loss. You have gained a fierce guardian angel forevermore.”

Another user admired Richard Carlson's distinguished career, stating, “A fascinating and extraordinary American life. My condolences.”

“What an amazing life, and what a remarkable man. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Tucker,” one user lamented.

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