Donna Gregory, a beloved news anchor and veteran journalist from North Carolina, passed away after a brave battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. Gregory, who was 57, died on November 19, surrounded by her loved ones, as announced by WWAY 3, the news station where she worked. Her death comes just months after she was diagnosed with the illness in April.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the loss of our beloved veteran news anchor, Donna Gregory,” said WWAY 3 in a statement. The station described Gregory as a “beacon of hope and inspiration,” noting her strength and grace as she faced her diagnosis and treatment, which included immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In April, Gregory shared her cancer journey with her viewers, offering a deeply personal message to her audience. She revealed that after months of experiencing recurring coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss, she had undergone a biopsy, which led to her diagnosis. In a heartfelt message, Gregory wrote, “I will be off the air for a while so I can undergo the treatment protocol doctors create. My plan is to get stronger and healthier each day, and prayers help, always.” Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic, finding beauty in the struggle and expressing gratitude for her family and friends, whom she referred to as “Angels disguised as friends.”
Gregory’s death leaves a significant void at WWAY 3, where she joined in 2019. She had originally filled in for anchor Randy Aldridge, who was diagnosed with cancer, but her role was later made permanent. The network praised her for mentoring aspiring journalists and for the warmth and friendship she shared with her colleagues.
“Her death leaves a void that words alone cannot fill,” WWAY 3 wrote. “For now, we mourn her loss and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.” A tribute to her legacy is planned for a later date.
While Gregory was widely known for her career in journalism, her children emphasized that to them, she was much more than a news anchor. In a moving Facebook post, they shared fond memories of their mother, describing her as “the heart of every room she entered.” They fondly recalled how she could create a meal out of anything she found in the fridge, turning everyday moments into something special. Her children also remembered her infectious positivity, loud whistle at sporting events, and her ability to fold a fitted sheet.
Gregory’s family reflected on her unshakeable faith and devotion, saying, “We always knew we could count on her to drop everything for us, answer every question, and ground us in her strong faith and deep love for Jesus.”
Donna Gregory is survived by her children Sam, Callan, Avery, and Everett; grandchildren Hayes and Coley; daughter-in-law Amanda; and son-in-law Shane. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
How do you remember Donna Gregory’s impact, both on and off the air, during her inspiring career in journalism?