John King Illness: Is John King Sick? What Disease Does John King Have?
by Aishwarya R | Updated May 11, 2023
Who is John King?
John King, an American news anchor, holds the position of CNN's chief national correspondent in Washington, D.C. He is widely recognized as the host of the influential political discussion program Inside Politics, which airs on weekdays. In the past, he has also served as the anchor for State of the Union and John King, USA.
Regarding his personal life, King was born in Boston and has Irish ancestry from Dún Locháin, Co. Galway. He attended Boston Latin School and obtained a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island. King's career began in 1985 when he joined the Associated Press as a writer. Over the years, he climbed the ranks and was eventually appointed as the chief political correspondent.
During the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections, he spearheaded the AP's political coverage. His exceptional reporting during the Gulf War in Kuwait earned him the prestigious reporting prize from the Associated Press Managing Editors' Association in 1991. In 1997, King made the transition to CNN, where he served as the senior White House correspondent from 1999 to 2005.
Since then, he has held the position of CNN's chief national correspondent. From 2014 to 2021, King anchored the Sunday morning news program Inside Politics, which featured a rotating panel of media experts discussing current political topics with him. He is a frequent guest on programs like The Situation Room and Anderson Cooper 360°, and occasionally takes on the role of anchor.
Notably, King is known for his utilization of the Multi-Touch Collaboration Wall, dubbed the "Magic Wall" or "Magic Map," which enables him to display and manipulate graphics and maps of polling and election results. His adept use of this technology has garnered attention on The Daily Show and during CNN's coverage of the 2016 and 2020 US Presidential Elections.
In early 2009, just prior to the US presidential inauguration, King began hosting a talk show called State of the Union, taking over from CNN's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer. When Lou Dobbs resigned from the network on November 12, 2009, King was selected to fill Dobbs' timeslot in early 2010. However, on January 31, 2010, King announced that Candy Crowley, CNN's senior political reporter, would be his replacement as the anchor of State of the Union.
John King Illness
In a significant revelation back in 2021, John King, the esteemed CNN news anchor, disclosed that he had been battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past 13 years. The memories of that fateful day when he received his diagnosis remain etched in his mind, even as we now find ourselves in 2023. Recalling the experience, King vividly recounts his first encounter with the MRI results, which revealed lesions resembling delicate dried flowers extending along his spinal cord and nerves.
He admits that he was gripped with fear and apprehension at that moment. For many years leading up to 2021, the accomplished host of CNN's Inside Politics had kept his MS diagnosis under wraps, confiding only in a select few friends and colleagues. However, during an unplanned moment on his live show on October 19, 2021, King decided to share his private struggle with MS.
This revelation came as he emphasized the critical importance of COVID-19 vaccinations and mask mandates in protecting the immunocompromised population. King acknowledges the inherent challenges in explaining the impact of the disease to loved ones. He reveals that this difficulty arises from a combination of his own hesitation to be seen as seeking pity and the fact that his condition is manageable, thereby sparing others unnecessary worry.
Although he believes he may have delayed sharing his story for too long, he expresses his contentment in contributing to respectful conversations about common-sense measures that can benefit others. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing management of Multiple Sclerosis.
Is John King Sick?
Yes, John King has been battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past 13 years. Despite his condition, he has continued to work as a news anchor and journalist. However, it's important to note that the term "sick" is quite broad and can have different interpretations. While King faces the challenges of living with MS, he remains active in his profession and continues to contribute to the field of journalism.
The seasoned news anchor further opens up about his reluctance to discuss his MS publicly. He confesses that one of his concerns was the potential for the public to downplay the significance of the disease due to his visible presence on television. He highlights the fact that MS can be viciously cruel to those afflicted by aggressive and progressive forms of the condition, often causing a swift transition from an active lifestyle to relying on a wheelchair within a matter of months.
King emphasizes the severity of the disease, noting its pervasive impact on every hour of his life. Nevertheless, he acknowledges his extraordinary fortune in having a relatively moderate manifestation of symptoms, thanks to the excellent medical care he receives and the support of exceptional doctors. Grateful for his own fortune, King concludes by acknowledging that he considers himself an incredibly lucky individual whose relationship with the disease has been relatively manageable, given the limited extent of symptoms he experiences.
King moderated a Republican presidential debate before the South Carolina Primary on January 19, 2012. However, his show John King, USA was canceled in early 2012, with the final episode airing on June 29, 2012. On April 17, 2013, King made an erroneous report based on information from law enforcement sources, stating that a dark-skinned male had been identified as a suspect in the bombing at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.
Other news outlets, including Fox News, also reported incorrect information about the arrest of a suspect shortly afterward. King gained widespread acclaim for his coverage of the 2020 United States presidential election. Currently, King hosts the weekday edition of CNN's morning show, Inside Politics. On January 11, 2021, it was announced that Abby Phillip would take over as the anchor of the Sunday edition of Inside Politics, starting January 24, 2021. The renamed show, Inside Politics Sunday With Abby Phillip, marks the transition from King's tenure.
What Disease Does John King Have?
John King has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often debilitating neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It is considered an autoimmune disorder, wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin.
This damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, leading to a wide range of potential symptoms. The exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis remains unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not contagious or directly inherited, although certain genetic variations may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Environmental factors, such as certain infections or exposure to certain toxins, may also play a role in triggering MS in susceptible individuals. While there is currently no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, various treatment options are available to help manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life. Medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications are often employed in a comprehensive treatment approach.
Additionally, ongoing research and advancements in medical science offer hope for better understanding, improved therapies, and potentially a future cure. Living with Multiple Sclerosis can present significant challenges, both for individuals diagnosed with the disease and their families. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends, as well as access to resources and support groups, can greatly assist in managing the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of living with MS.
John King CNN Wife
John King was married to Dana Bash. On April 28, 2023, CNN confirmed that Dana Bash would be taking over as the new host of Inside Politics, replacing John King. King, who had been the anchor of the show, stepped down from his role to assume a new position that focused on engaging voters from crucial battleground states.
Despite the change in hosts, Dana Bash will continue to co-host the CNN talk show State of the Union alongside Jake Tapper. When addressing the transition in Inside Politics' hosting duties, Bash emphasized her extensive experience as a journalist and expressed her commitment to the role. It is worth noting that Dana Bash and John King were previously married from 2008 to 2012 and have a son together.
However, when news outlets referred to Bash as King's "ex-wife" in relation to her new hosting role, she clarified that, in this particular context, she should be recognized as a journalist with decades of experience rather than solely defined by her past relationship. The couple tied the knot in 2008 and welcomed their son, Jonah Frank, into the world in 2011.
In an email sent to his CNN colleagues, John King explained that Jonah was named after two significant figures in their lives: his mother, Joan King, and Dana's grandfather, Frank Weinman. Following their divorce in 2012, the specific reasons for their separation were not publicly disclosed. However, there were reports of infidelity issues that led to their separation, as stated by ZGR.
Bash and King confirmed that they had been residing in separate homes for a few months leading up to their official divorce. It's important to mention that John King has another family from his previous marriage to Jean Makie. Together, they have two children named Noah and Hannah.
John King Illness - FAQs
John King is an American news anchor and journalist. He is well-known for his work as the chief national correspondent for CNN and as the former host of shows like Inside Politics, State of the Union, and John King, USA.
John King serves as CNN's chief national correspondent. He has also been the host of Inside Politics, where he provides insightful political analysis and moderates discussions on current events. However, please note that roles and assignments may have changed since then.
John King publicly revealed his battle with Multiple Sclerosis in October 2021. At that time, he mentioned that he had been living with the disease for 13 years. However, it is always advisable to check for the latest updates or news regarding his health.
No, John King and Dana Bash, also a CNN journalist, were married from 2008 to 2012. They have a son together named Jonah Frank. Following their divorce, they have both moved on with their respective careers and personal lives.
Throughout his career, John King has garnered recognition and respect for his contributions to journalism. He has received awards for his political coverage, including the top reporting prize from the Associated Press Managing Editors' Association for his coverage of the Gulf War in Kuwait. Additionally, he has been praised for his coverage of the 2020 United States presidential election.