In his personal life, Cronkite was married to Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Maxwell from 1940 until her death in 2005. They had three children together. Cronkite was known for his love of sailing, a passion he often indulged during his retirement years.
Walter Cronkite passed away on July 17, 2009, at the age of 92. His death was mourned across the country and around the world, with tributes pouring in from journalists, politicians, and ordinary citizens whose lives had been touched by his work.