/ Source: The Associated Press
Jim Lehrer, anchorman of PBS’ “NewsHour,” has undergone successful heart valve surgery.
Lehrer, who had the operation Wednesday, remained hospitalized Friday, but planned to be back on the broadcast within a few weeks, said “NewsHour” spokeswoman Anne Bell.
“The surgery went well and we expect his return by the end of May,” she said, adding that Lehrer first felt ill last week and checked into Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
She offered no other details.
Filling in for Lehrer, who turns 74 next month, will be correspondents Gwen Ifill, Ray Suarez, Margaret Warner and Judy Woodruff.
Based in Washington, “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” is seen five nights a week on more than 315 PBS stations nationwide.