Art Buchwald's passing is a personal loss for CNN anchor Kyra Phillips. "Buchwald was her mentor for 18 years, and she became a close friend of the family," CNN.com says.

When news of Buchwald's death broke during the 9am hour of Newsroom, Tony Harris tossed to a pre-recorded package by Phillips, featuring an interview with the columnist. At the end, she said:

"There would be more than 8,000 newspaper columns, more than 30 books, and a Pulitzer Prize. Art checked out of hospice in June, kept writing his column and wrote one more book, 'Art Buchwald, Too Soon To Say Goodbye.' It's still too soon for me, but now, it's time. Goodbye, Artie."