‘CBS This Morning’ anchor Charlie Rose to undergo heart surgery

“CBS This Morning” anchor Charlie Rose announced that he will undergo heart surgery Thursday to replace an artificial aortic valve.

The 75-year-old newsman first had emergency surgery to replace his aortic valve during a reporting trip overseas. The artificial valve, now more than a dozen years old, will be replaced with a new one; the timing of the procedure was Rose’s choice, he said in a brief statement.

“Almost 15 years ago skilled surgeons replaced my aorta valve with a new replacement valve,” he wrote. “It has served me well enabling me to live the vigorous, full, complete life you are all so familiar with. No one loves life more than I do.

“To continue to live this amazing life so full of challenges and friends, including so many of you in the audience, I have chosen to replace the valve with a new one.”

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Rose, who told his Twitter followers on Wednesday that he wanted “to share some important personal news,” continued that the surgery “will keep me at the hospital for a few days and then resting for a couple of weeks. I look forward to seeing you in March.”

Rose, best known for his eponymous PBS program, has been a host of “CBS This Morning” since the show started in 2012. “Charlie Rose” made its debut in 1991 and became syndicated nationally in 1993.

Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell are Rose’s co-hosts on “CBS This Morning,” which has risen in the ratings to be competitive with the “Today” show and “Good Morning America,” according to the Associated Press.

The Emmy Award-winning anchor will be off the air for the rest of the month and will be back in March, he said Wednesday.

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“I can’t wait to be back completely rested with my heart recharged, my passion for the work ahead purposeful and my joy at life’s pleasures high,” he said in the statement, adding: “Until then, stay close.”