Ted Koppel’s Wife, Grace Anne, Talks About Life With COPD

Grace Anne Dorney Koppel has been living with COPD for more than two decades — and she is using her platform to make sure others do not face it in silence. In an exclusive interview with Forbes, the wife of legendary ABC News anchor Ted Koppel opens up about her diagnosis, her daily management of the disease, and why she has become a fierce advocate for COPD awareness.

Grace Anne Dorney Koppel was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2001, a time when few Americans — even inside her own family — understood the condition. She is married to Ted Koppel, the longtime anchor of ABC's Nightline, and together they have navigated the challenges of a progressive lung disease that affects millions. With her husband's public profile, she has leveraged media attention to shine a light on a disease often overshadowed by cancer and heart disease. Her story matters now because COPD remains the third-leading cause of death in the United States, yet public awareness and funding lag far behind other major killers.

COPD is an umbrella term for progressive lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The primary cause is long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes. In Grace Anne's case, she was not a smoker, which underscores a crucial point: anyone can develop COPD. Since her diagnosis, she has worked tirelessly with organisations like the COPD Foundation to educate patients, caregivers, and policymakers. She has testified before Congress, appeared in awareness campaigns, and given countless interviews — including this one — to destigmatise the disease and encourage early testing.

Key details from the Forbes article reveal that Grace Anne and Ted Koppel have been married for decades, and he has been a constant source of support. She has spoken candidly about the physical limitations COPD imposes — such as shortness of breath and fatigue — but also about the emotional toll. The couple has used their visibility to push for better access to pulmonary rehabilitation and medication. The article does not provide new clinical data, but it reinforces the personal human cost of a disease that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says affects more than 16 million Americans, with millions more undiagnosed.

Analysis from public health observers notes that celebrity advocacy can dramatically shift public attention and research funding. When high-profile figures like Grace Anne Dorney Koppel share their lived experience, it humanises a disease that many people have heard of but do not truly understand. It also pressures legislators to prioritise chronic respiratory diseases in budget allocations. Given Ted Koppel's stature in journalism, the platform for COPD awareness is unusually broad, potentially reaching an older demographic most at risk for the disease.

Looking ahead, the Koppels will continue their awareness campaign, urging people to take a simple breathing test if they have symptoms like persistent cough or shortness of breath. Several new treatments and clinical trials are underway, and greater awareness could accelerate early detection. Grace Anne's message is clear: COPD is not a death sentence — with proper care and support, patients can live full lives. The next milestone to watch is the upcoming World COPD Day and any new federal initiatives for lung health funding.