Helen Thomas Dead at 92: White House Journalist Dies After Long Battle With Illness

Helen Thomas, a longtime White House journalist has died at the age of 92 according to CNN. Thomas is considered a respected and legendary journalist who came under some controversy in 2010 amid her retirement. Thomas made comments about Jewish people that angered many. Either way, Thomas' career spanned 10 presidents covering nearly half a century. There has not been a specific cause of death given, but CNN says it is after battling a "long illness."

Thomas is known for being an old-school journalist not afraid to ask the tough questions. Even going into her later years, she wasn't afraid to ask hard hitting questions. In 2010, during her retirement, Thomas' comments on a YouTube video about Jewish people sparked some controversy. As CNN reports, Thomas said Jewish people should "get the hell out of Palestine." Thomas would apologize later for her comments. "They do not reflect my heartfelt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance," Thomas said. "May that day come soon." One week later Thomas retired.

Thomas was born in Winchester, Kentucky in 1920. Thomas was one of nine children. She married Douglas Cornell in 1971 until he died in 1982.

Thomas covered the final years of the Eisenhower administration all the way up til the first couple years of President Obama's administration.

Thomas will forever be remembered as a legendary journalist who would ask the tough questions and was relentless in her effort to find the truth.