CNN political commentator and longtime Republican adviser Alice Stewart has died. She was 58 years old.
According to a report from the outlet, Stewart was found outside in a residential neighborhood near Richmond, Va., early Saturday morning, May 18. Police told CNN foul play is not suspected and she is believed to have suffered a medical emergency. The cause of her death was not immediately reported.
Born in Atlanta, Stewart began her career as a reporter for local newspapers throughout the South and later worked in communications roles for numerous Republican political campaigns and offices.
“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” CNN CEO Mark Thompson told staff in a May 18 email. “A political veteran and Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an unparalleled spark to CNN’s reporting, known in our offices not only for her political savvy, but also for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an incredible loss.”
Alice Stewart.
Stewart has also appeared as a commentator on many CNN shows including The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, where she appeared just one day before her death. In an Instagram post on Friday, May 17, Stewart shared a photo of herself, CNN colleague Marie Cardona and Blitzer posing at his desk.
“It’s always a sunny day to join the great @wolfblitzer on #CNN with @mariacardonadc,” she wrote in her latest social media post.
During her career, Stewart served as communications director for a number of Republican figures, including Mike Huckabee for his 2008 presidential run, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and, in 2016, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
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Stewart joined CNN ahead of the 2016 presidential election, offering her insights on multiple television shows. Outside of CNN, she and Cardona also hosted a podcast Hot mics from left to right.
Cardona told CNN that the couple plans to record an episode of the podcast on Saturday.
“I just can’t believe she’s gone,” Cardona said. “I want everyone to know what a special person she was, especially in this industry. As you know, today’s politics can be rude and so dirty, and Alice was just a loving light.”
CNN anchor Jake Tapper also addressed Stewart’s death, writing in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Terrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart. Absolutely terrible. We are all heartbroken.”
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Source: HIS Education