logo
Getty images
Getty images

Get to Know the Late Hugh Downs' Wife Ruth Whom He Was Happily Married to for 73 Years

Lois Oladejo
Jul 03, 2020
09:59 A.M.

Hugh Downs is known for his legendary time as a broadcaster, but his family was a massive part of his life. Here are some interesting things about Ruth, whom Downs was married to for 73 years.

Advertisement

Legendary broadcaster Hugh Downs, who died on July 2, 2020, was more than just a voice on radio and television.

He had a longlasting marriage with his wife, Ruth, who died in 2017. Here are some interesting facts about the woman Hugh's longtime love.

Ruth and Hugh Downs during CASA Honors James and Daniel Burke in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Ruth and Hugh Downs during CASA Honors James and Daniel Burke in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

EARLY LIFE

Ruth Down (nee Shasheen) was born in 1921 to Mike and Saddie Shasheen in Illinois. The only girl among three boys, Ruth, was taught that she could do anything her brothers did, provided she puts her mind and all to it.

Armed with this mindset, Ruth proved that she could do and be more throughout her life. She worked as an artist, radio actress, producer, and director for most of her life, lending her skills to various institutions and organizations.

Advertisement

During World War II, Ruth was decorated by Naval Intelligence for lending her skills to work on an undercover assignment. Following her stint during the war, she proceeded to get a college education.

A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

When Ruth graduated from college, she ventured to Chicago, where she worked as a radio actress, producer, and director for a radio station. She was also an avid film documentary producer, and it was at the point of work she met Hugh.

Advertisement

Hugh and Ruth often worked together to ensure that their family came first.

Aside from her work in the media, Ruth opened the "Ruth Downs Limited" needlework shop in Carefree Arizona. Through the shop, Ruth taught other artists how to create high-grade needlework coveted by many.

LIFE WITH HUGH

Ruth and Hugh first met when he came in as a young radio announcer where she worked at the time. The two started a friendship that would last through their lives.

Advertisement

In 1944, the two got married, and over their 73 years of marriage, they had two children — Hugh Raymond and Diedre Lynn.

Throughout their marriage, Hugh and Ruth often worked together to ensure that their family came first, and at some point, she had to take time off work to focus on raising her children.

HUGH DOWNS

Hugh Malcolm Downs was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1921 and established himself as a force to be reckoned with when it came to broadcasting.

Advertisement

Known for his smooth and silky voice, Hugh hosted the "Today Show," and the "20/20" show, when he transitioned to television broadcasting.

Associated with notable colleagues like Barbra Walters and Jack Paar, Down once held the Guinness World Record for most hours spent on network commercial television (with 15,188 hours). He lost the record to Regis Philbin in 2004.

Both Hugh and Ruth lived long, fulfilled lives that encompassed their careers, family, and love. The two spent a long time on earth surrounded by love from friends, family, and colleagues.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Brian Keith’s 3 Spouses Were All Actresses — Facts about His Marriages

December 13, 2023

Old Man in Search of Job Goes Door to Door, Everyone Shuts Him Out except One Kind Lady — Story of the Day

February 14, 2024

Inside Wendy Williams' Health Struggles: From a Public Faint to Fighting Chronic Illness for 2 Decades

February 23, 2024

Heroic Teen Boy Found Dead Next to Roadway with a Dog by His Side: Details & Update

December 18, 2023

Alison Berns Became Howard Stern's Ex-spouse after Decades of Marriage

November 21, 2023

Wife Notices Husband Always Leaves the House When His Phone Rings, One Day Decides to Follow Him

February 11, 2024

Colin Cowherd's Daughter LIV Cowherd Is Already 23 – Facts about Her

January 16, 2024

Wife Notices Husband Always Leaves the House When His Phone Rings, One Day Decides to Follow Him

January 16, 2024

Lois Evans Was Tony Evans' Wife of Nearly Half a Century – More about Her

January 12, 2024

Henry Cavill Is Not Gay & Does Not Mind 'Coming across as Homosexual'

November 20, 2023

Laura Char Carson Is Sofia Carson's Mother and the Actress's 'Entire World'

November 06, 2023

Reba McEntire Texted Kelly Clarkson ‘All the Time’ – She ‘Warned’ Kelly before Divorce from Her Stepson, Source Claims

December 06, 2023

This Girl Was Told She Was 'Not Pretty Enough' for Film Yet She Won 2 Oscars & Raised Sons Following in Her Footsteps

November 08, 2023

Michael Gershenson, Husband of CNN's Kate Bolduan, Works in Real Estate

November 30, 2023