Donna Gregory Death & Obituary:The journalism community mourns the passing of Donna Gregory, a longtime news anchor known for her tenure with WRAL News and other stations. Donna passed away after a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer, a diagnosis she revealed earlier this year in April 2024. Her unexpected illness was especially surprising as she had never smoked.
Born in Atlanta, Donna Gregory’s illustrious career began in North Carolina in 1988 when she joined WRAL-TV. Over her years as a journalist, she became a trusted voice and a symbol of professionalism in broadcast news.
A Distinguished Career in Journalism
Donna Gregory was widely recognized for her contributions to television journalism. At WRAL, she co-anchored the 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts, quickly earning the respect of her colleagues and viewers alike.
Her career highlights include her 1992 journey to Russia (formerly the USSR) with the NC Friendship Force, just weeks after the Soviet Union’s collapse. Alongside WRAL photographer Jay Jennings, Donna reported on this historic moment in global politics.
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Donna also made significant contributions to documentaries, collaborating with teams to produce impactful works such as Kids Having Kids, which explored the challenges faced by young mothers as young as 12.
Beyond hard news, Donna was a familiar presence at NCAA Final Four events, where she co-anchored sports specials, and she played a pivotal role in organizing coverage for events like the Raleigh Christmas Parade.
Later Career and Community Contributions
After leaving WRAL in 1996 to join KMSP-TV in Minneapolis, Donna returned to North Carolina, where she became the main weekday anchor for WNCN. From 2019 to 2024, she anchored at WWAY-TV in Wilmington, continuing her commitment to local journalism.
In addition to her media work, Donna pursued her passion for health and wellness. In 2012, she founded Coastal Health Innovations, serving as a professional health coach dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness and health goals.
A Personal Battle with Lung Cancer
Despite her dedication to health and wellness, Donna Gregory faced a challenging diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer in 2024. She shared her journey with courage and transparency, inspiring many with her resilience and positivity.
Conclusion
Donna Gregory’s legacy as a journalist, health advocate, and community leader will forever remain etched in the hearts of those she touched. Her decades of storytelling, her pioneering spirit, and her unwavering commitment to excellence leave an indelible mark on North Carolina and beyond.
Rest in peace, Donna Gregory. Your contributions to journalism and the community will never be forgotten.