WWAY Remembers Donna Gregory: A Life of Storytelling, Faith, and Love
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For decades, Donna Gregory brought news to viewers across the country, from local stations to the national stage. Her charisma, professionalism, and heart resonated deeply with colleagues and audiences alike. Yet, beyond the news desk, Donna’s greatest roles were as a devoted mother, friend, and woman of faith.
Donna Gregory passed away on Nov. 19, 2024, at the age of 63, following a courageous battle with stage four lung cancer. As her loved ones prepare to honor her with a public Celebration of Life this weekend, her family, friends, and colleagues are reflecting on the legacy she leaves behind.
A Storied Career in Journalism
Born in Kentucky in 1961 as one of nine children, Donna began her broadcasting career in Oklahoma and Illinois before making her mark in Raleigh, anchoring at two different stations for more than a decade.
In 1992 while reporting for WRAL, Donna traveled to Russia one month after the end of the Cold War. Over a series of in-depth stories, she was tasked with revealing what life was really like behind the Iron Curtain.
Her talents eventually took her to NBC and MSNBC in the early 2000s, where she worked alongside notable anchors, including Lester Holt.
In 2012, Donna and her family moved to Wilmington after leaving the news business. She returned to the airwaves in 2019, stepping in for WWAY anchor Randy Aldridge as he battled cancer. Even after Randy’s recovery, Donna stayed on as a beloved member of the WWAY family.
“We had more fun working together, we had so many inside jokes,” Aldridge said. “When Donna’s around, you feel like you have to bring yourself up to her level. And it’s a level that’s hard to get to because she is such a professional, and so perfect at everything that she did, especially on-air.”
Her career wasn’t just about delivering the news—it was about connecting with people. Clips from her reporting show her vibrant personality, whether celebrating high school football season or delivering heartfelt stories in her Extraordinary People series on WWAY.
A Life of Strength and Faith
Donna’s journey took a challenging turn in April 2024, when she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer after experiencing a persistent cough. Through chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Donna remained optimistic.
In an August 2024 interview, she shared, “It’s lung cancer, and they say the chances of it completely going away are slim, but people manage it, and people live a long time.”
Despite her strength, Donna’s health declined in the fall, and she was moved to hospice care in November. According to Randy, Donna’s faith was her anchor throughout her illness.
“She wanted me to promise that I would tell everybody that it was her faith that got her through all of it,” Aldridge shared. “That was the thing that held her together and made it possible for her to move on.”
Donna died surrounded by her children—Sam, Callan, Avery, and Everett.
A Mother’s Legacy
For Donna, her family was her greatest joy. Her children say the loss still feels surreal.
“It just feels like she’s going to walk back in the door at any second,” said her daughter, Callan. “There’s already been moments for me when I’m like ‘I want to call my mom.'”
Donna’s youngest, 17-year-old Everett, a junior at Hoggard High School and a football player, is adjusting to life without his mother’s presence at his games.
“It’s hard to finish the game and then have her not be right there to give her a hug,” Everett said. “That’s what I’ve been doing since I was six.”
Callan and her husband have since moved into Donna’s home to act as Everett’s guardians, ensuring he can finish high school in Wilmington.
“We’ll never fill that same role,” Callan said, “but we’re banding together as a family to create that sense of togetherness and love.”
Callan and Everett remember her as a beacon of light who always found hope, even in difficult situations.
“She just always found a way to find the light in the situation, or just, stay positive and hopeful,” Callan said. “Including as she had to mentally make the transition into the next part of her journey. She really was still so hopeful in that, and it was really beautiful to watch. I feel really proud of her.”
Remembering Donna
Tributes have poured in from Donna’s colleagues at WWAY, who describe her as a mentor, a friend, and an irreplaceable part of the newsroom.
“Donna was one of the first people to welcome me and make me feel comfortable,” said meteorologist Matthew Huddleston. “I’ve thought about that often ever since, and I will continue to think about that moving forward.”
Evening anchor Jeff Rivenbark shared, “Thanks for all the memories, and thanks for always trying to uplift others with laughter, encouragement, and most of all, your love.”
“I’ll always remember how full of life she was and especially that sweet and bright smile she brought to the station every day,” said Chief Meteorologist Lee Haywood.
Sports Director Jake Eichstaedt said, “I will miss you, but I will also do everything that I can to keep you alive in the way that I approach my job.”
A Celebration of Life
Donna Gregory’s Celebration of Life will take place this Saturday at Thalian Hall in Wilmington at 1 p.m. The event is open to the public. Her family asks attendees to wear bright colors to honor Donna’s vibrant spirit and the colorful mark she left on the world.
