Former first lady Barbara Bush recalled for the Associated Press that several generations of children, "including our own, grew up with Mr. Rogers, always looking forward to time spent in his neighborhood.
"In addition to helping children learn everything from how to tie their shoes to appreciating jazz music, he also taught his young viewers the importance of sharing, being truthful and good manners. And he stressed the importance of reading and writing, for which he'll always be one of my heroes."
"In real life as in the Neighborhood, Mr. Rogers was an extraordinary man," cellist and "Neighborhood" guest Yo-Yo Ma told AP. "Through music and stories, his caring and wisdom transcended every barrier; his advocacy for children was truly an advocacy for the human race."
An ordained Presbyterian minister, Rogers began producing his low-tech show at Pittsburgh public television station WQED in 1966, going national two years later. The final episode, which featured him still wearing a comfy sweater and sneakers, was taped in December 2000 and aired in August 2001, though PBS affiliates continued to broadcast repeats.
"He was not an actor. People would ask us, 'What is Mr. Rogers really like?' The thing was, he was the same," family spokesman David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely on the show, told a visibly grieving Katie Couric on Thursday's "Today" show.
Added Couric, who said Rogers was a personal friend: "He will be sorely missed."
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