Charles Osgood, the beloved CBS News journalist known for his wit and charm, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. Osgood, who had been living with dementia, had an illustrious career spanning over 45 years at CBS News before retiring in 2016.

Osgood was best known for his work on "CBS Sunday Morning," a show he shepherded for more than two decades, surpassing the tenure of its original host, Charles Kuralt. Under Osgood's guidance, the program reached some of its highest ratings levels in three decades and earned the Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Morning Program three times.

In addition to his work on television, Osgood also hosted a popular radio-news segment called "The Osgood File" from 1971 to 2017. The segment, heard four times each weekday morning on various stations across the U.S., featured Osgood's signature short words, sentences, and paragraphs. He would often analyze news events or provide rhyming commentary on the latest headlines, leaving listeners with his trademark sign-off, "I'll see you on the radio."

Born on January 8, 1933, in New York City, Charles Osgood Wood III grew up in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. His early years were filled with taking piano lessons, delivering newspapers, and listening to the radio. While attending Fordham University in the 1950s, Osgood spent countless hours at the campus radio station, WFUV, where he became the chief announcer and launched his own program featuring his chatter and piano stylings. He graduated in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in economics.

Osgood's career in broadcasting began as a classical music DJ at WGMS in Washington, D.C. However, he soon joined the U.S. Army to become a band announcer, collaborating with musician and band arranger John Cacavas. The duo wrote the lyrics for the hit song “Gallant Men” in December 1966. After leaving the Army in 1958, Osgood returned to WGMS before taking on the role of general manager at WHCT, the nation's first pay cable channel in Hartford, CT. Unfortunately, the venture did not succeed, and in 1963, Osgood joined ABC Radio in New York as an on-air personality.

During his time at ABC Radio, Osgood became known for his rhyming pieces on the "Flair Report." In 1967, he joined WCBS NewsRadio 88 as an anchor-reporter, where he anchored the station's first morning drive shift when it transitioned to an all-news format. Eventually, Osgood made his way to CBS News, where he launched "The Osgood File" for radio.

Throughout his career, Osgood had the opportunity to interview notable figures such as Keith Haring, Julia Child, Andrew Wyeth, Sting, and Louise Nevelson. His warm and engaging personality endeared him to both his audience and colleagues. Rand Morrison, the longtime executive producer of "CBS Sunday Morning," described Osgood as someone who embodied the heart and soul of the show. From his signature bow tie to his poetic commentary, Osgood's presence was truly special.

Charles Osgood's contribution to journalism and broadcasting will always be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, creativity, and a deep love for his craft. As the news of his passing spreads, tributes from colleagues and fans pour in, honoring the man who truly was one of a kind.