Donna Gregory, popularly known as the news anchor for WWAY, succumbed to her battle with stage 4 lung cancer on Tuesday, November 19. She was diagnosed with the same in April this year. WWAY confirmed the news, revealing that at the time, she was surrounded by her loved ones.
In the wake of her death, tributes have been pouring in on social media, from all those who knew and loved her. The veteran North Carolina journalist worked with the channel for about a decade, before which, she had stints at WRAL, WNCN, and NBC News.
Donna Gregory's loved ones pay their respects, tributes pour in on X
Matthew Huddleston, the meteorologist at WWAY, took to X to pay tribute to his colleague's passing:
"Donna Gregory was one of the first people to speak to me when I started at WWAY. In the 4 years to follow, she motivated & encouraged me to become the best broadcast meteorologist I could be, even through my early struggles. I’ll miss the bright light she emitted daily."
In a statement on their official website, WWAY reflected on Gregory's career:
"Donna’s extraordinary journalism career spanned decades, taking her across the globe to cover some of the world’s most significant events. In February 2019, she came out of semi-retirement to join WWAY, stepping in during anchor Randy Aldridge’s own cancer battle. Her temporary role quickly became permanent, and she endeared herself to our team and viewers alike as a trusted anchor and storyteller."
The statement went on to acknowledge Donna's influence on the "young journalists," noting that she was a "source of wisdom and encouragement, and a cherished friend to many in our newsroom." The statement went on:
"Her death leaves a void that words alone cannot fill. At a later date, we will honor Donna’s remarkable life and career with a tribute befitting her legacy. For now, we mourn her loss and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Donna Gregory will be profoundly missed."
Donna Gregory co-anchored the 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts on the channel. She is also renowned for her work on the documentary, Kids Having Kids, which explored the lives and impacts of pre-teen girls having children of their own. In an interview with WWAY, she revealed that her diagnosis came as a shock to her, as she was never one to smoke.
In a message published by the same in April, she shared her diagnosis with the world, noting that it brought an end to all the questions surrounding her unexplained symptoms, including "recurring coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss.”
In the wake of her passing, her children, Sam, Callan, Avery, and Everett, took to Facebook to pen a heartfelt message. It read, in part:
"Many of you know her as ‘Donna Gregory’. Her career was a testament to her passion for journalism. She was a trusted anchor at WWAY in Wilmington and WRAL in Raleigh, and she held esteemed roles with NBC News and MSNBC, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. We know her as ‘Mom’. To her children, she was so much more than the accomplishments listed in her career. She was the heart of every room she entered, always making everyone feel welcome and at ease."
They also reflected on some cherished moments they shared with their mom, such as how “her loud whistle" during sporting events could rival any cheerleader, and that she “somehow mastered folding a fitted sheet.”
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Donna Gregory leaves behind her four children, Sam, Callan, Avery, and Everett, and her grandchildren, Hayes and Coley. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Amanda, and son-in-law, Shane.
Details about her memorial service are yet to be announced.
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