RIP

Richard Cohen, Meredith Vieira's husband of 38 years, has died following a decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis.

The "Today" show, where Meredith served as co-anchor between 2006 and 2011, announced Richard's passing Tuesday morning ... confirming Richard -- a fellow newsman -- had died on Christmas Eve while surrounded by his family.

"Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie said Meredith is "in really good spirits" ... with Hoda Kotb also revealing the family was happy to get an extra month with Richard when the family became very concerned about his health at Thanksgiving.

Late New York socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, often referred to in the media as "Catwoman" due to her surgically enhanced cat-like features, is going to be cremated ... and her remains are going overseas.

Jocelyn's fiancé, Lloyd Klein, tells TMZ ... she will be remembered in a small and private funeral in Paris and after she's cremated her ashes will be taken to her ranch in Kenya.

We're told Jocelyn's final resting place will be near family ... her father is buried at the same African ranch, and her mother's ashes are there as well.

Jocelyn's fiancé says she loved Kenya ... so it's fitting that's where her ashes are going to wind up.

Aubrey Plaza is breaking her silence on her husband's sudden death ... calling Jeff Baena's passing an "unimaginable tragedy."

In her first public comments on her loss, Aubrey and their families add ... "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."

Monday's statement comes after Aubrey skipped the Golden Globes in the wake of her director hubby's death.

Luca Meixner -- a member of German soccer club SSV Reutlingen 05 -- has tragically died at 22 years old.

The football org. announced the heartbreaking news over the weekend, stating Meixner "passed away unexpectedly" on Dec. 27.

Further details surrounding his death were not released.

Aubrey Plaza didn't join the ranks of numerous celebrities at the Golden Globes Sunday night ... skipping the ceremony two days after her husband passed away.

Numerous celebrities packed the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills for the 82nd iteration of the ceremony ... but, Aubrey wasn't among them -- and, it's pretty clear why.

Plaza was originally scheduled to present an award ... though it's unclear which one or who filled in for her.

The Vivienne -- a fan favorite on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" -- has died.

The reality TV star's publicist, Simon Jones announced the news on Instagram on Sunday writing ... "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend."

The rep went on to say ... "James was an incredibly loved, war-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."

Mike Rinder -- a former higher-up in Scientology who became an outspoken critic of the religion -- has died ... according to an Instagram post from his wife.

Christie King Collbran revealed the news in an emotional Instagram post Sunday ... saying she feels sadness and pain at his passing though his courage and integrity will continue to inspire many for years to come.

Collbran says Rinder was a stable force in the lives of those who knew him ... before adding the "world will remember you."

Former NBA player Barry Kramer -- the sixth overall pick to the San Francisco Warriors in the 1964 draft -- has died at 82 years old.

The 6'4", 200-pound forward was a star at the high school and collegiate level ... earning top accolades in the country at Linton in Schenectady, New York. During his senior season, he was teammates with legendary NBA coach, player and executive Pat Riley.

Kramer thrived at NYU -- where he had a career-best 29.3 points a game during his junior season in 1963.

Molly Shannon shared a touching tribute for her close friend and collaborator, Jeff Baena just two days after the director was found dead in his Los Angeles home.

The actress posted a series of photos Saturday of the two of them with the caption marked simply by a 💔 emoji.

Molly starred in Baena's films "The Little Hours" and "Life After Beth," alongside his wife, Aubrey Plaza. Her post highlights the bond and close friendship the three built and shared through the years.

Filmmaker Jeff Baena -- best known for directing films like "Life After Beth" and "The Little Hours," and the husband of Aubrey Plaza, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police and fire responded to a Los Angeles-area home Friday around 10:30 AM for a death investigation ... after an assistant discovered him dead.

Baena was pronounced dead at the scene ... law enforcement says he died by suicide.

Nicole Kidman got emotional during an acceptance speech at the Palm Springs International Film Awards ... and even started crying as she dedicated her award to her late mother.

The Oscar-winning actress was given the International Star Award for her latest movie, "Babygirl," by film legend Jamie Lee Curtis at Friday's festival in California.

Nicole stepped up to the mic onstage to say a few words -- and almost immediately began talking about the death of her mom, Janelle, in September.

The procession for former President Jimmy Carter has begun in Georgia ... his home state, which is where he died this week at the age of 100.

A motorcade with a flag-draped casket of the 39th president began the journey to Washington by going through his hometown of Plains on Saturday.

Former Secret Service agents who protected President Carter acted as pallbearers when the procession initially began at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in GA.

Singer Brenton Wood, best known for his 1967 hit "The Oogum Boogum Song," has died, TMZ has learned.

Wood's manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, confirmed the news to TMZ, revealing he passed away today at his Moreno Valley, California home, surrounded by friends and family.

As of now, his cause of his death has not been revealed.

Ryan Quigley -- friend and former teammate of late college football standout Tiger Bech -- broke his silence after the death of the Princeton star ... as the two buddies found themselves in the middle of the horrible Bourbon Street terror attack.

Quigley, also a former Princeton Tiger, commented on a post put out by his alma mater mourning the death of 27-year-old Bech, with RQ writing, "I love you forever, Pal."

Quigley, who remains hospitalized with a broken leg, sustained during the attack, played at the Ivy League institution from 2016-19. He appeared in 33 games, rushing for 1,192 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Tiger Bech tragically had his life taken in the early morning hours of New Year's Day, and now the standout football player's high school coach is speaking out about the life and death of his late star.

"When we lose someone, it always hurts. To lose someone like Tiger and then to lose him in such a tragic way on a holiday when he had come into town to be with family and friends, just tragic," Marty Cannon, former assistant football coach turned principal at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Louisiana told Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs nightly on FS1).

"Our thoughts and prayers definitely go out to the Bech family. They are also a tight-knit group of people, close, close family that we deeply love, and they love St. Thomas More. So, a lot of people are hurting today."

The Allstate Sugar Bowl is underway in New Orleans ... but before Georgia and Notre Dame kicked off the College Football Playoff matchup, the Caesars Superdome held a moment of silence to remember those lost during the Bourbon Street terrorist attack.

As we previously reported, the contest was postponed a day in wake of the tragedy ... but local law enforcement stated on Thursday the city was confident in its measures to ensure everyone in attendance would be safe.

After the moment of silence in the stadium, it was followed by chants of "U-S-A" and an emotional rendition of the national anthem from NOLA native Samyra Miller.