Alan Greenspan dies at 100; Andrea Mitchell remembers husband as 'a giant of a man'

Long-time Federal Reserve chairman and economist Alan Greenspan passed away on Monday. He was 100. The news of his passing was announced by his wife, NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell. They were married for 29 years. Greenspan presided over the Fed at a crucial time in American history. He became the chairman of the Fed in 1987, during the second term of President Ronald Reagan, and saw his role through the dawn of the digital age. He served five terms at the top of the Fed, as per NBC.

"Alan passed away at our home this morning at the age of 100 from complications of Parkinson's disease," Mitchell said in a statement. "He was a giant of a man who helped shape the U.S. economy for decades under presidents of both parties, but was always honest in acknowledging his mistakes. To me, he was my husband, who shaped my life from our very first date in 1984. He had 'irrational exuberance' for baseball, the Washington Commanders, tennis, golf, and music, especially jazz. He will be remembered for his brilliance and his kindness. Being his life partner was the joy of my life."

Greenspan's first experience of working in a political setup came under President Richard Nixon, as he was an important part of the 1968 presidential campaign. He also helped facilitate a smooth transition into the Oval Office. However, he refused an official position in the government when offered. Greenspan continued advising Nixon on an informal basis until the latter resigned from the presidency. He was then appointed the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, serving in President Gerald Ford's administration, until 1977.

Eminent businessman Mike Bloomberg shared a message on X, paying tribute to Greenspan and his long career. "Alan Greenspan’s decades of honorable public service grew out of his love of country and commitment to its progress. The arc of his career reflected - and shaped - the story of modern finance," he wrote.