journalist's journalist and set an example for all around her."

Ifill was the host of PBS' Washington Week and co-host of PBS NewHour who covered seven presidential campaigns and moderated the vice presidential debates in 2004 and 2008. She was also the author of "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama."



"Gwen was an extraordinary and special person — one of the nation's leading lights in journalism, a gracious and inspiring colleague, and a warm and steadfast friend," Sharon Rockefeller, president and CEO of the flagship public television station WETA in Washington, said in a letter to staffers. "As she bravely battled cancer, Gwen was lifted by the well wishes, flowers and emails from so many who love and respect her."



TWEET: "Saddened by the passing of GwenIfill – a true trailblazer in her field and a role model for young women journalists across the nation."

Ifill's death sparked a bipartisan outpouring of condolences from politicians ranging from House Majority Leader Paul Ryan to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.



TWEET: "I am saddened to learn about the passing of Gwen Ifill—an incredibly talented and respected journalist."

Born in New York City, Ifill was the daughter of a Methodist minister who moved with her family from church to church up and down the east coast.



After graduating from Simmons College in Boston with a journalism degree, Ifill began her career writing for the Boston Herald-American, jumped to the Baltimore Evening Sun and later the Washington Post. At the New York Times, she covered the White House.



In 2013, when she and