Former talk radio host, politician Barbara Carlson passes away at 80

Image 1 of 2

Former Minneapolis talk radio host and politician Barbara Carlson has passed away according her CaringBridge page. 

Her daughter Anne Carlson posted an update saying Barbara Carlson died this morning surrounded by her family. 

“[Family members] held her, told stories, laughed and wrapped her in love until she took her last breath,” said Anne in the post. “She said everyone should die like this. It was so peaceful and heartbreaking at the same time. I've never known pain like this and our hearts have a huge hole.”

Barbara Carlson was diagnosed with stage four cancer in February. 

Carlson was a former Minneapolis city council member and ran for mayor of Minneapolis in 1997.

She had a talk show on KSTP radio and was married to Arne Carlson, but they divorced before he became governor.

Barbara Carlson was 80 years old.