It is noted that Rooney, who gave his last "60 Minutes" commentary on October 2, remains under medical care and his family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. Why the TV writer underwent the surgery and what kind of the complications he had have not been disclosed.
Rooney had been with "60 Minutes" since 1968. He began as a writer before his "A Few Minutes With Andy Rooney" segment became a fixture on the show in 1978. In his final commentary, he confessed that his retirement was a moment he had dreaded, adding, "I wish I could do this forever."
Of Rooney's retirement, CBS News chairman and "60 Minutes" executive producer Jeff Fager said, "There's nobody like Andy and there never will be. He'll hate hearing this, but he's an American original. His contributions to '60 Minutes' are immeasurable; he's also a great friend. It's harder for him to do it every week, but he will always have the ability to speak his mind on '60 Minutes' when the urge hits him."