NPR's Carl Kasell dies at 84 following complications from Alzheimer's disease

Andrea Mandell | USA TODAY

National Public Radio's longtime broadcaster Carl Kasell died Tuesday following complications from Alzheimer's disease, the radio service confirmed. He was 84.

Kasell was a presence at NPR for more than three decades, retiring for good just four years ago at the age of 80. He began his radio career at age 16, DJing a late-night music show on his local station and then working at his college station at the University of North Carolina.

Following his service in the military, he resumed his work in radio, joining NPR in 1975 as a part-time contributor to Weekend All Things Considered.

"I still remember that many staff felt he was too old," recalls former All Things Considered executive producer Jim Russell, who first hired the 30-something Kasell. "But, as I told them, 'Carl will be the Rock of Gibraltar in NPR’s newscast unit. He’ll be here long after you kids have moved on.' And he was! He became the signature sound and style of NPR News."

In 1979, Kasell helped launched the news program Morning Edition, reading the headlines at the top and bottom of the hour and building a fan following that would continue for more than 30 years at NPR.

In 1998, Kasell switched gears, revealing his wry sense of humor as the official judge and scorekeeper for the game show Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me! alongside host Peter Sagal. He left his voice on hundreds of answering machines as part of that show's prize.

When he retired, Kasell said his favorite time at NPR had been with the news quiz show. "I can honestly say I am the luckiest man around to be able to have worked at a job I love for so many years. It's truly been a joy for me," Kasell said in 2014.

Kasell was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2010.

"I am extremely sad to tell you all that my dear friend and colleague for 16 years, Carl Kasell has passed away at the age of 84, from complications of Alzheimer's," wrote Sagal on Twitter Tuesday. "He was, and remains, the heart and soul of our show."

Added NPR's Linda Holmes, "We should all hope to be as beloved by as many, as deeply, for as many reasons, with so much to be proud of, as Carl Kasell. A man who knew gravitas and goofiness could live as neighbors and co-conspirators. Thank you, sir."

Contributing: The Associated Press