Former CNN Anchor Valerie Hoff DeCarlo Dies at 62 After Cancer Battle

Former CNN news anchor Valerie Hoff DeCarlo has passed away at the age of 62 after a battle with lung cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and later received her lung cancer diagnosis in 2024. Hoff DeCarlo was known for her work at CNN from 1992 to 1999 before transitioning to the NBC-affiliate WXIA in Atlanta, where she remained until 2017.

Her career took a significant downturn after she resigned following a racially charged incident. While working on a story regarding racial and police violence, Hoff DeCarlo engaged in a private exchange with a black source and used a derogatory term to describe herself. The exchange escalated, leading to her suspension for two weeks before she ultimately chose to resign.

Controversy and Career After CNN

In the controversial exchange, the source had shared a video related to the story, and Hoff DeCarlo referred to herself using the term “news n****s,” which the source had used in a previous message. Although she claimed she was not directing the term at him, the fallout resulted in significant backlash. Following her resignation, she attempted to reinvent her career through a personal blog, which has since been removed.

Valerie Hoff DeCarlo is survived by her husband, Derrick DeCarlo, and their two sons, one of whom was adopted from Russia due to the couple’s fertility challenges. Derrick DeCarlo expressed his admiration for his wife, describing her as “a strong, capable, loving woman and a wonderful mother.” He noted that she had been planning a cruise and a Christmas party shortly before her passing.

Legacy and Reflection

The media landscape has been significantly impacted by Hoff DeCarlo’s career and the subsequent controversy. Her experience reflects broader issues surrounding race and representation in journalism. While her professional journey faced challenges, her personal life showcased her resilience and dedication to family.

In a separate note, the sports world also mourned the loss of Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion, who died recently at the age of 74. Zoeller’s career was marked by both notable achievements in golf and controversies, including racially insensitive comments made during the 1997 Masters tournament regarding fellow golfer Tiger Woods.

As the media community reflects on the lives of both Valerie Hoff DeCarlo and Fuzzy Zoeller, their stories highlight the complexities of public life and the lasting impact of words and actions on personal and professional legacies.