The Heartbreaking News of Ben’s Passing
In a touching moment that underscores the powerful bond between humans and their pets, Kirk Herbstreit, the esteemed ESPN college football analyst, recently shared a personal letter he received from President Biden. This letter came shortly after Herbstreit announced the sorrowful news of his beloved golden retriever, Ben’s, passing due to cancer.
Just last month, Herbstreit took to social media to express his grief over the decision he had to make regarding Ben’s health. He revealed that the cancer had aggressively spread throughout Ben’s body, leaving no option but to say goodbye. “This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” he shared with his followers, expressing both his sorrow and the love that Ben had received from many.
A Community Comes Together
Ben’s death resonated deeply within the college football community and beyond. Fans, colleagues, and friends rallied around Herbstreit during this difficult time, offering their condolences and support. The love for Ben extended even to the White House, where President Biden took the time to send a personal note to Herbstreit.
In a heartfelt post shared on X, Herbstreit expressed his gratitude for the letter, stating, “Politics aside — REALLY honored to receive this personal note from @POTUS sharing his appreciation and compassion for the loss of our beloved Ben.” He reflected on the impact Ben had on so many lives, saying, “I can only hope that Ben knows how many people he touched.”
A Letter of Comfort from the President
Dated November 22, the letter from President Biden highlighted Ben’s significant presence in the lives of many. “Ben brought so much comfort and unconditional love to millions of Americans across our Nation,” the letter read. It continued to acknowledge the special connection between pets and their owners, stating, “I know what it is like to lose a beloved pet, and I hope you can find some comfort in cherishing the beautiful memories you shared with Ben. He was a good boy.”
Ben’s Role in Herbstreit’s Life
Ben was more than just a pet; he was a constant companion to Herbstreit, accompanying him during his travels for “Thursday Night Football” and “College GameDay” for Prime Video and ESPN. Throughout Ben’s battle with cancer, Herbstreit kept his followers updated on social media, sharing the joys and challenges they faced together.
Reflecting on their time together, Herbstreit wrote, “He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy-going companion. Hard day — but he will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years — a true blessing. Love you, Ben.”
In conclusion, the outpouring of love and support from the community, combined with the heartfelt condolences from President Biden, serves as a reminder of the special bond between pets and their owners, and the impact they leave on our lives.
