SALEM, Ohio – MaryAnn Graff, the longtime co-host of the morning show on local country music radio station WQXK (K-105), has retired from the station.
The announcement came Friday, about a week after the death of Doug James, who co-hosted the show with Graff for 36 years.
Graff had spent her entire adult life at K-105. She joined the station in 1985 and co-hosted mornings with James since 1991, according to RadioInsight.com.
The website reports that Graff’s retirement was planned in advance of James’ death.
“Today was my last day sharing mornings with you at K-105. It’s time to retire,” Graff posted Friday on Facebook. “I could never have dreamed this career when I came here June 1st, 1985. It truly was a dream job. Thank you all for allowing me to join you each morning. It has been an absolute joy!! I love you all and will see you around K-country!”
WQXK has yet to announce its plans for mornings. The station is based in Salem/Youngstown and is owned by Cumulus Media.
James, who had been with the station since 1989, was 71. He died after a brief illness.
The station’s market manager, Bill Kelly, posted a tribute to James the day after his death. “Doug loved all of K-Country and was passionate about the music, the artists, the listeners, and our community, and was a devout supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. He believed helping our community of listeners was as important as having them listen daily. Doug set the standard for morning radio in the Valley.”
Pictured at top: Doug James and MaryAnn Graff.