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

Since his death in February 2003, Fred Rogers has been remembered for his dedication to children. Here’s a look back at the iconic children’s TV host’s final days and legacy of kindness.

He was honored with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences lifetime achievement award in 1997 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2002, among dozens of other notable accolades. Today, Rodgers continues to be remembered through foundations and institutes founded in his name to documentaries and movies inspired by him — including a 2019 biopic starring Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. In March 2003, just days after his death, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring 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.”

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