‘Morning Joe’ hosts remember Elijah Cummings, who married them: ‘He was just perfect’
Rep. Elijah Cummings passed away on Thursday due to “complications from longstanding health problems,” according to a statement from his office.
Morning Joe co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, who were married by Cummings in 2018, were devastated by the news.
“We are heartbroken,” Scarborough said on Tuesday’s show. “Elijah was a dear friend, a trusted colleague and a fierce advocate for his constituents at home and for all of you Americans who hunger for justice and hunger for truth in these troubled times.
“We were honored that Elijah agreed to marry Mika and me last year. It seemed just perfect, and he was just perfect. It was so great to have him, our dear friend, there. But we’re even more grateful for the public service that he so selflessly committed his life to, every day of his life. He will now be mourned, and his remarkable life will be celebrated. His work, it will be completed. That’s the very least this great country owes to Elijah Cummings during these dark days and troubled times.”
Cummings was born in Baltimore, Md. on Jan. 18, 1951. He became the congressman for the 7th District of Maryland on April 16, 1996 and held that office until his death. The Baltimore native was 68 years old. He is survived by his three children and his wife, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings.
Many on Twitter were saddened by the passing of Congressman Cummings.
There are good men, great men, strong leaders, true patriots, and able politicians. Sometimes you get them all in one. Elijah Cummings was all of those in one. He was as tough, blunt and effective on the congressional dais as a prosecutor and as fiery as a preacher. pic.twitter.com/4qVpve5wIa
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) October 17, 2019
The House has lost our North Star. Chairman Elijah Cummings was a leader of towering character & integrity. His wisdom, his warm friendship and his great humanity will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, my friend. https://t.co/WP0830KCkV pic.twitter.com/Hx8RFIWFPC
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 17, 2019
Such respect for this man on all levels. What an example for us all! His spirit will live and inform and guide us. Here's to giving that great power in his honor. More vital than ever at this moment in time. @RepCummings in my heart!
— Donna Marie (@DmJ43) October 17, 2019
Love to the family and friends and constituents of the great Elijah Cummings. What a life. What a career. He worked on behalf of the people with integrity, tenacity and intelligence. The entire nation will miss his irreplaceable voice.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) October 17, 2019
“Did you see him? Did you see him? Our children are living messages we send to a future we’ll never see. Now, our children are sending us to a future they’ll never see. Something is wrong.” Elijah Cummings at Freddie Gray’s funeral. American patriot. May he journey well. #RIPSir pic.twitter.com/vO07p9fdcF
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 17, 2019
This is a tragic loss.
He gave everything he had for us.
There is no one to replace him in our society because he is a hero who bled for civil rights.
I can’t stop crying.— supernatural (@BeckyResists) October 17, 2019
Elijah Cummings was a majestic lion in the American Congress who roared to amplify the needs of his pride, and clawed to fiercely protect the rights and dreams of his pride. And we were all his pride. I will miss you brother. pic.twitter.com/NlWarr3ebk
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) October 17, 2019
Michelle and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend, Elijah Cummings. May his example inspire more Americans to pick up the baton and carry it forward in a manner worthy of his service. pic.twitter.com/lM2rES3PNV
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 17, 2019
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