Mr. Rogers’ Death, 22 Years Later: Look Back at the Iconic Host’s Final Days — and His Emotional Last Message to Longtime Fans

Mar. 15, 2025

Fred Rogers starring in ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,' circa 1980s.Photo:Fotos International/Getty

Fotos International/Getty

Fred Rogersis stil remembered for his dedication to instilling kindness, compassion and self-esteem in kids 22 years after his death.

The iconic host of the children’s programMister Rogers’ Neighborhoodand ordained minister died in February 2003, but the memory of his work and life lessons live on.

A pioneer in children’s television, Rogers created, wrote and hosted895 episodesstarting in 1968. Over three decades, young viewers were transported to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, where Mr. Rogers discussed innermost emotions and broader topics, including poverty and divorce.

Rogers cared deeply about the children his show touched, striving to spread kindness and make the world a better place. “People were important to him,” Rogers’ wife, Joanne Rogers, told PEOPLE in November 2019. “He was to me and to the family who he is to everybody else.”

On the 22nd anniversary of his death, here’s a look at Fred Rogers' life, how the public reacted to his passing and how his legacy of kindness endures.

How did Mr. Rogers die?

Fred Rogers of ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood' entertains children during a Mister Rogers' Day celebration.Bettmann/Getty

Bettmann/Getty

Mr. Rogers died of stomach cancer in February 2003, just months after being diagnosed.

His wife Joanne toldCancer Todaythat Rogers was experiencing symptoms that he didn’t recognize as signs of stomach cancer. By the time he was diagnosed in late 2002, the cancer had spread.

“He was having a good deal of indigestion. He was very careful about what he ate … but it wasn’t until it became painful [that he addressed it],” she told the outlet. “And then when the doctor did an endoscopy and learned it was stomach cancer, it was already too late."

When did Mr. Rogers die?

Fred Rogers during 52nd Annual Christopher Awards on February 22, 2001 in New York City.Ron Galella/Getty

Ron Galella/Getty

Rogers died in the early hours of Feb. 27, 2003.

After being diagnosed with stomach cancer in late 2002, Rogers was still committed to his role as a public figure and role model for children. Despite experiencing pain from his diagnosis, he attended theNew Year’s Day Rose Paradein Pasadena, Calif., the month before his death, according toCancer Today.

Where did Mr. Rogers die?

Fred Rogers on the set of his children’s television program, ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,' on June 28, 1989 in Pittsburgh.AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Rogers died at his Pittsburgh home, actor and family spokesmanDavid Newell— who played Mr. McFeely inMr. Rogers’ Neighborhood— toldThe New York Times.

He is buried inhis family’s mausoleumat Unity Cemetery in his hometown of Latrobe, Penn.  His wife, Joanne, was buried alongside him after herdeath in 2021.

How old was Mr. Rogers when he died?

Rogers was 74 years old at the time of his death.

How did the public react to Mr. Rogers death?

Fred Rogers, of ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,' donates his famous red cardigan sweater to the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.Bettmann/Getty

For young fans of his show, Rogers’ production company, Family Communications (now known asFred Rogers Productions), upheld his commitment to supporting kids and teaching them lessons about their feelings — including thoserelated to death. The day Rogers’ died, the production company posted a special message on its website to help parents broach the subject with their children.

“Children have always known Mister Rogers as their ‘television friend,’ and that relationship doesn’t change with his death,” the site read, perThe New York Times. “Remember that Fred Rogers has always helped children know that feelings are natural and normal, and that happy times and sad times are part of everyone’s life.”

The public and the media wrote countless blog posts and obituaries as they mourned Rogers. His friends and colleagues spoke in his memory, honoring him and the impact he had.

“He was the first and the last of his kind – there’s never going to be another like him,” longtime friend Bob Keeshan, who played fellow kids' persona Captain Kangaroo, told theNew York Postin February 2003. “He was a wonderful, wonderful human being.”

In March 2003, just days after his death, theU.S. House of Representatives passed a resolutionhonoring Rogers for his “his legendary service to the improvement of the lives of children, his steadfast commitment to demonstrating the power of compassion, and his dedication to spreading kindness through example.”

Throughout her life and after Rogers’ passing, his wife Joanne was adamant about portraying Rogers as a real person — rather than placing him on a pedestal — despite all the good he had done.

“He’s out there now as somebody who’s somehow way above all the rest of us,” she told theLos Angeles Timesin November 2019. “People invariably say, ‘Well, I can’t do that, but I sure do admire him. I would love to do it.’ Well, you can do it. I’m convinced there are lots of Fred Rogerses out there.”

What legacy did Mr. Rogers leave behind?

Fred Rogers posing for a promotional portrait in the 1980s.Family Communications Inc./Getty

Family Communications Inc./Getty

Rogers left behind a lasting legacy of kindness, compassion and the lessons he instilled in children across the country — from self-esteem to imagination, creativity and curiosity.

To this day, it produces original children’s shows “rooted in [Mister Rogers’] philosophy and approach” that are designed to “build on his legacy with millions of today’s children,” the company’s president and CEO Paul Siefken toldPittsburgh Union Progressin February 2023.

Before her death in 2021, Rogers’ wife Joanne served as the primary steward of Rogers’ legacy, as the chair emerita of Fred Rogers Productions and the honorary chair of the Fred Rogers Institute. She also played a large role in the production and promotion of the 2019 film,A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, visiting the set almost every day, perThe New York Times.

“I would like to tell you what I often told you when you were much younger. I like you just the way you are,” he said in a message recorded a few months before his death. “And what’s more, I’m so grateful to you for helping the children in your life to know that you’ll do everything you can to keep them safe … It’s such a good feeling to know that we’re lifelong friends.”

source: people.com