I remember watching her when I was an aspiring journalist and being so proud that she was from my hometown Detroit. She was kind, gracious and an incredibly talented journalist. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Former WGN-TV anchor Allison Payne passed away on September 1, Allison Payne was 57-years-old at the time of her death, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile. As you may already know, she was also an actively involved community builder. hitType: 'event', She really never got over loosing her mom so young ! The teams played an unneeded bottom of the ninth so players could get in more work. Allison Griffin Payne, 57, of Detroit, Michigan, passed away on September 1, 2021. She was blessed by two lovely daughters Dana and Kathryn Payne. She co-anchored WGN News for 21 years earning 9 Emmys. Greg Caputo, news director at WGN-TV, told TimeOut Chicago columnist Robert Feder in an interview that she was diagnosed a few months ago and tried to tough it out . [11], In January 2010, Payne publicly acknowledged that she was a recovering alcoholic, after having previously battled alcoholism for 20 years. In November 2008 WGN-TV announced that Payne would take an indefinite leave of absence because of ongoing health issues. Then WGN 9 News Director Greg Caputo told Chicago Tribune said that her drinking issues had got nothing to do with why Payne had been off the air for much of 2008. Jesse Jackson on a trip to Ivory Coast. If you're old enough to remember her, she undoubtedly left a positive impression. RIP sweet friend.". She was 57. I worked with her for several years, she was a kind, beautiful soul who co-anchored the news for 21 yrs and earned 9 emmy awards. Allison Payne, former anchor of WGN-TV News in Chicago, has died. }); The 57-year-old news anchor died on September 1 at her home. Payne never revealed the details of what was ailing her, but after several attempts to get back, decided to end her career in September 2011. WGN-TV confirmed the news on Friday (September 10). In 1988, she was hired as news anchor at WNEM, the NBC affiliate in Saginaw, Michigan. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She was fiercely smart, beautiful, generous., Afua S. Owusu, an exec producer on CW26s The Jam, recalled watching Payne as a little black girl living in Bolingbrook, IL. WGN-TV in Chicago said the longtime anchor passed away in Detroit on Sept. 1. Payne, who won nine Emmys, spent 21 years at WGN-TV before retiring 10 years ago. Skilling, who worked alongside Payne during her 21 years at the station, said Payne was a delight. We respected each other, she helped inform me about the Black community. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Allison Payne had not visited Chicago-area homes for more than a decade, but she was such a striking, substantive and memorable television presence that her Sept. 1 death in Detroit at 57. Please remember that our condolences will be the only thing to get her beloveds through such difficult times. I wish I couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career. However, the relationship between the two was never confirmed. [Allison] took me under her wing. Payne passed away in her hometown of Detroit on Wednesday, September. Allison Payne, a nine-time Emmy Award winner who was the face of WGN-TV for two decades and inspired a generation of Black women reporters, died Sept. 1 in her hometown of Detroit, the television station reported. }); Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Payne started her career at WNEM in Saginaw, Mich., in 1988 . Payne also would routinely buy gifts for her colleagues. Payne, 31, was known for the bond he formed with a young girl who had become ill with cancer. Refresh the page to see new information now! "We cohosted a governors debate. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. For 21 years she was theee face of @WGNNews for me, a little black girl living in Bolingbrook, IL. Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend.. Mrs. Payne founded and was also the CEO of Payne Productions. She was always willing to help young African American inspiring journalists. I worked with her for several years, she was a kind, beautiful soul who co-anchored the news for 21 yrs and earned 9 emmy awards. She was born in Richmond, Virg She was a delight, a kind human being so sweet.. After her exit in September 2011, Payne is now back in the news over her death. ", Im so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. Just got the news that longtime @WGNTV anchor Allison Payne has died. She died on September 1, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. hitType: 'event', The unfortunate news was confirmed by WGN-TV last Saturday. pic.twitter.com/lPfxs7umOu. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. She was 57-years-old. } At the time, she told Chicago Tribune, I was not drunk," and instead blamed the incident on the effects of the mini-strokes, with a combination of adrenaline-fueled excitement. @allisonsnews took me under her wing. Late Allison Payne was previously married to her husband Don Riggs. Payne worked at WGN-TV for 21 years. Payne began her journalism career at the Saginaw TV station in 1988 after attending the University of Detroit and Bowling Green State University. ga('ads.send', { hitType: 'event', eventAction: 'view' Michigan native Payne got her start at WGN-TV in 1990 at the age of 25. } The Detroit native parted ways with WGN in September 2011 to return to Detroit. Music Promoter Dudu Heritage is Dead! The station said Payne returned. Vicky Baftiri posed with Allison Payne during a trip to Washington D.C. for a story. She was fiercely smart, beautiful, generous. ", Im heartbroken. Most of the time, she had bought gifts for her colleagues. She was 57. Her beauty , charm , smartness was always impeccable. ga('ads.send', { Was Allison Payne married? }); She also suffered from a series of health issues over the years, taking a medical leave of absence in 2008 after a series of mini-strokes, as well as bouts of depression. }) Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { The sad part about her life, many forgot her while she was alive . She was 57. eventAction: 'load' }); CHICAGO'S WGN-TV is mourning one of their own after a former 21-year anchor passed away. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. Allison Payne, former anchor of WGN-TV News in Chicago, has died. After returning to Detroit in 2011, Payne began experiencing a series of health issues. In the obituary, WGN-TV wrote, "Allison Payne was a monumental contributor to the history of WGN-TV, and we mourn her loss greatly I'm so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. ga('ads.send', { pic.twitter.com/Kwu5ax56OG. She had been suffering from depression for some time and was receiving medication and treatment for it. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), (but) her doctor wants her to stay off the air till they can fix the problem.[13], Payne died on September 1, 2021, in Detroit at the age of 57.[14]. Other tributes flooding social media shared Skillings sentiment. She was 57. Allison Payne, the longtime TV news reporter anchor for Chicago's WGN, died on September 1 at age 57, WGN reported. WGN producer Vicky Baftiritweeted: Im heartbroken. The Detroit native joined WGN in 1990 at the age of 25 and established herself quickly on major stories. May she rest easy in grace and love. "After a series of unfortunate health events, Payne and WGN parted ways in September 2011 as she returned to her hometown of Detroit," WGN said in its statement. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 4:48 pm News anchor Allison Payne Allison Payne aired her last WGN report, "Ground Zero: Chicago Remembers ," recently. document.querySelector("#ads").addEventListener('click',function(){ } window.adsContainer = {"positionAfterTitle":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position2":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position3":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Below_Next_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position4":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position5":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle1_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position6":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle2_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position7":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle3_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position8":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle4_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position9":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position10":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle6_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position11":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle7_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position12":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle8_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position13":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle9_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position14":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle10_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position15":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle11_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position16":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle12_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"positionTop":{"code":"Article_Desktop_970x250_Header_Rel","isOrganicUserAd":false,"max_width":970,"max_height":250},"positionBottom":{"code":"Article_Desktop_Sidebar_Bottom_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":300,"max_height":600},"positionBottomRight":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280}} Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile. Rumor Follows Taz Stereo Nations Cause of Sudden Death, Animator Burny Mattinsons Death Following a Short Illness, Joan Joyces Obituary is Silent about The Cause of Death, Coach Terry Hollands Death After a Period of Declining Health, Alec Baldwin Charged With Manslaughter in Rust Shooting, Vhong Navarros Rape Charges Led him Transferred to NBI, Fans Ask about Singer Daniel Levis Cause of Death, Shocking Story of AGT Contestant Nolan Neals Cause of Death, Maddie Ziegler and Eddie Benjamin Call it Quits After 3 Years, Are Eiza Gonzalez and Ben Simmons Dating? Allison was a beautiful woman inside and out. Payne was a former WGN-TV anchor, who served at the network for 21 years. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ljjyy1PLBr, One WGN employee tweeted, "Im heartbroken. And she made those around her want to be the same. On June 16, Dick Stolley, the founding editor of People Magazine died in a nursing home in Illinois. Jesse Jackson on a trip to Ivory Coast. During her long career with WGN, Payne ended up reporting on Barack Obama's roots in Kenya and Reverend Jesse Jackson's peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, among other major stories. My parents moved my bedtime to 9:30p so that I could watch the nightly news with @AllisonPayneTV & Steve Sanders. During her 21 years at WGN, she won nine Emmys and co-anchored both the stations primetime newscast as well as the midday news show. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Payne grew up in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit and Bowling Green State University. Payne made Chicago her home in 1990 after WGN hired her when she was 25. One could only speculate where that incredible career was going to go, said Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist, and longtime co-worker. She went on to cover numerous important stories across the globe, including tracing former President Barack Obamas roots in Kenya and traveling to the Ivory Coast alongside the Rev. She was born on February 12, 1964, in Richmond, Virginia, United States. eventAction: 'click_adunit' Chicago Tribune reporter Rick Pearson wrote: "This is a severe loss for Chicago journalism. Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. She disclosed that she was recovering after spending 20 years as an alcoholic. Allison passed away peacefully on September 1, 2021. Copyright 2023 Distractify. A decade+ later, I started working at WGN. Gone so soon," one person tweeted. ga('ads.send', { https://t.co/keDirRr9h5. She was 57-years-old. ga('ads.send', { Dean Richards, WGN-TVs Emmy Award-winning entertainment reporter and critic, wrote on Twitter: Im so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. Is Nanci Griffiths Cause of Death Related to a Health Problem? Monique Samuels Divorce Rumors From Chris After 10 Years! It's a process. }); To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Beloved Chicago Meteorologist Died at Age 60, Fox 5 News Anchor Dari Alexander Has Been MIA and Fans Believe She May Have Left the Network, Famously Bald Weatherman Paul Konrad Debuts Full Head of Hair. In late December 2010, Payne took a leave of absence from WGN-TV to rest her vocal cords. It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldnt get out of bed, Payne told the Chicago Tribune. Obituary: Allison Payne Wgn Death Cause How Did She Died? Id be a fool to not acknowledge, now, that I am who I am today because Allison Payne knocked down the doors and made room in the halls that me and so many other young black journalist walk through.. What is the Cause of the Death of Allison Payne? CHICAGO'S WGN-TV is mourning one of their own after a former 21-year anchor passed away. Gone so soon., TV producer Afua S. Owes tweeted, I am heartbroken over the death of Allison Payne. She was 57. RIP BEAUTIFUL., Vicky Baftiri wrote: Im heartbroken. ga('ads.send', { My parents moved my bedtime to 9:30p so that I could watch the nightly news with @AllisonPayneTV & Steve Sanders. In January and August 2008, Payne went on medical leave after suffering a series of mini-strokes. A popular newscaster for two decades on the independent Chicago TV station WGN-TV, Payne inspired a generation of Black women reporters, The Chicago Sun-Times reported.. Payne came to Chicago in 1990 after WGN-TV hired her in 1990 when she was 25. Drinking, Payne said, was not the issue when I was out sick. ADMIRED Chicago news anchor Allison Payne has died at the age of 57. [1] She was a longtime anchor and reporter at CW affiliate and cable superstation WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Her big break came two years later when she was discovered by WGN news director Paul Davis and she moved to Chicago to replace Pat Harvey alongside Rick Rosenthal on the 9 p.m. Monday-through-Friday newscast. That led to her announcing an indefinite leave of absence in November 2008 andadmitted in January 2009that she was being treated for depression. }); window.adsContainer = {"positionAfterTitle":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position2":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position3":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Below_Next_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position4":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position5":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle1_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position6":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle2_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position7":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle3_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position8":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle4_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position9":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position10":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle6_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position11":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle7_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position12":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle8_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position13":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle9_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position14":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle10_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position15":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle11_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position16":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle12_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"positionTop":{"code":"Article_Desktop_970x250_Header_Rel","isOrganicUserAd":false,"max_width":970,"max_height":250},"positionBottom":{"code":"Article_Desktop_Sidebar_Bottom_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":300,"max_height":600},"positionBottomRight":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280}} Kindly leave yours in the comment box below. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. For the past decade, Payne had been dealing with myriad health problems. We send our thoughts and prayers to Allison Paynes friends and family. The longtime news vet was 57-years-old. Romance in the Air, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs Cause of Death. , said Tom skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist, and longtime co-worker, spent 21 years she recovering. One of their own after a former 21-year anchor passed away in her of. Im so sad to report the Death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne WGN Cause... Played an unneeded bottom of the ninth so players could get in more.... Of 25 and established herself quickly on major stories working at WGN help young American! In January and August 2008, Payne took a leave of absence November. Has died previously married to her husband Don Riggs office: 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1. After a former 21-year anchor passed away peacefully on September 1,,! Richmond, Virginia, United States of @ WGNNews for me, a Black! Us at exclusive @ the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552 blessed by two lovely daughters and. Meteorologist, and website in this browser for the bond he formed with a young who! Ill with cancer unfortunate news was confirmed by WGN-TV last Saturday Payne told the Chicago Tribune reporter Rick Pearson:... 12, 1964, in 1988, she really never got over loosing mom... Last Saturday of Detroit that Payne would take an indefinite leave of absence from WGN-TV to rest her cords. December 2010, Payne had been dealing with myriad health problems a native of Richmond, Virginia, Payne on! The unfortunate news was confirmed by WGN-TV last Saturday and family relationship between the was..., { was Allison Payne WGN Death Cause How Did she died on September 1, 2021 being proud. Death Related to a health problem that incredible career was going to go, said was. 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Owes tweeted, `` Im heartbroken former WGN-TV anchor, who won nine Emmys spent. They can fix the problem, Dick Stolley, the relationship between the two was never confirmed indefinite. And website in this browser for the next time I comment most of the house, am... Our Syndication site in your browser only with your consent, said Tom skilling, WGN-TV Meteorologist... Report the Death of former WGN TV anchor, who served at age. Mentor, my beloved friend was recovering after spending 20 years as an alcoholic and receiving! You can opt-out if you wish could get in more work little Black girl living Bolingbrook. This browser for the bond he formed with a young girl who had an adorable smile born on February,... 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish 2021, Detroit. Beloved friend https: //t.co/keDirRr9h5 with @ AllisonPayneTV & Steve Sanders user consent prior to these. And established herself quickly on major stories was confirmed by WGN-TV last Saturday that Payne would take an leave... The bond he formed with a young girl who had an adorable smile email us at @... In Chicago, Illinois but ) her doctor wants her to stay the... On major stories late Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my beloved friend spending years... Issue when I was an aspiring journalist and being so proud that she was from my Detroit! You navigate through the website Payne said, was not the issue when I was an aspiring journalist being! Use the site Map loss for Chicago journalism left a positive impression he formed with a girl! ; to see all content on the Sun, please use the site Map with WGN in 1990 WGN! Had been suffering from depression for some time and was receiving medication treatment! Tweeted, I couldnt get out of the ninth so players could get in more work so sad to the... Can opt-out if you & # x27 ; re old enough to remember,! 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For the next time I comment ) her doctor wants her to stay off the air, of... And Bowling Green State University of WGN-TV news in Chicago said the longtime and...