Tucker Carlson has shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of his father, Richard “Dick” Warner Carlson, whom he described as “the toughest human being.” Dick Carlson passed away at the age of 84 on Monday after a six-week battle with illness at his home in Boca Grande, Florida.

A Remarkable Life and Legacy

Dick Carlson was not just the father of Tucker Carlson, but also a man of considerable achievement and respect. He led a distinguished career that spanned several fields, including journalism and government service. Like his son, Dick began his professional journey as a reporter. He went on to serve in prominent roles within conservative administrations, including as the U.S. Ambassador to the Seychelles during the early 1990s under President George H. W. Bush. He also held the position of Director of Voice of America under President Ronald Reagan.

Despite the impressive nature of his career, Dick Carlson kept much of his work in the later years of his life shrouded in mystery, with his family often unclear about the details. Nonetheless, he maintained a close connection with his sons, speaking with them daily and having weekly lunches for over three decades at the Metropolitan Club in Washington, starting each meal with a dice game. His love for dogs was also a notable part of his life, as he was known for his strong attachment to them.

Tucker Carlson shared a deeply personal tribute to his father, noting that Dick Carlson passed away holding the hands of his children, with his dogs by his side. He had refused all painkillers during his final days, choosing to meet his end with dignity and clarity.

A Troubled Start and a Remarkable Turnaround

Born on February 10, 1941, Richard Carlson’s early life was marked by hardship. His biological mother, who was just 15 years old at the time, placed him in a Boston orphanage shortly after his birth. He spent much of his childhood in foster homes before being adopted by a family in Norwood, Massachusetts. At the age of 12, Carlson tragically lost his adoptive father, a tannery manager, which led him down a difficult and rebellious path. By 17, he had been arrested and jailed for car theft.

However, Dick Carlson’s story is one of resilience and transformation. He managed to turn his life around, enlisting in the Marine Corps and later working as a merchant seaman. Eventually, he found his true calling in journalism, starting as a copy boy at the Los Angeles Times and later becoming a well-known investigative reporter for KABC, where he gained recognition from Los Angeles TV viewers.

A Strong Father-Son Bond

Throughout Tucker Carlson’s childhood, Dick was an influential figure. Raised in Southern California by his journalist father and stepmother, Tucker’s upbringing was unconventional yet privileged. Dick Carlson instilled a strong sense of discipline in his sons and was heavily involved in their lives. Tucker often spoke of how his father shaped him, and their bond was evident in the way Dick approached parenting.

Dick Carlson was known for exposing his children to the world in a way that was both direct and formative. For example, he took them to a murder investigation at a young age, where they saw the victim’s body on the sidewalk. This was just one instance where he believed in immersing his children in the gritty realities of his work, ensuring they grew up with a well-rounded perspective.

According to the biography Tucker by Chadwick Moore, Dick was committed to raising his sons with a sense of self-discipline and a clear understanding of how to find satisfaction in life. He believed that modesty was essential, often emphasizing how far a person could go based on their efforts and potential.

A Final Goodbye

Richard Carlson’s life was a testament to personal growth and perseverance. From a difficult beginning in an orphanage to becoming a respected figure in both journalism and government, he left an indelible mark on those who knew him. His passing is mourned by his two sons, Tucker and Buckley, and his five grandchildren, who carry on his legacy.

Though Tucker Carlson’s father is no longer with him, his influence will undoubtedly continue to shape Tucker’s life and work. In his final days, Dick Carlson left this world as he lived—strong, dignified, and deeply connected to his family.