FOX 26 Houston is losing one of its morning anchors. DaLaun Dillard announced Monday that he’s leaving the station after nearly three years, with his last day set for Friday, Oct. 23.
“Some chapters are harder to close than others,” Dillard wrote in an emotional social media post announcing his departure.
Dillard expressed his love for Houston, saying the city has given him some of the greatest joy and happiness of his life, particularly outside of work. He thanked viewers for embracing him as family and allowing him to be himself.
“Thank you for loving ALLLLLL of me,” he wrote. “Thank you for adopting me as y’all’s son, nephew, brother, cousin, etc. Thank you for giving me the freedom to simply be… ME.”
Dillard did not reveal his next career move but expressed excitement about what lies ahead.
“As this chapter comes to a close, I’m grateful for every blessing it brought and excited for all that God is writing in the next chapter,” he wrote.
Dillard joined FOX 26 in December 2023, stepping into the morning anchor role previously held by longtime Houston news veteran José Griñan, who retired that summer after 30 years at the station. Dillard currently co-anchors Houston’s Morning Show alongside Melissa Wilson from 7 to 10 a.m. before returning to anchor the station’s noon newscast.
Before arriving in Houston, Dillard spent several years at WEWS in Cleveland as an evening anchor and reporter. He won two Emmy Awards there and covered major stories, including the aftermath of the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
His earlier career included reporting and anchoring positions at KETV in Omaha, Nebraska, and WMBD in Peoria, Ill. He also received a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for team coverage of protests following George Floyd’s murder.
A native of Battle Creek, Mich. Dillard graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in broadcast and cinematic arts. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of America and the National Association of Black Journalists.
In July, Dillard launched a personal Substack newsletter called Off Script, offering viewers a more intimate look at his life beyond television, including his faith and personal growth.
While his next destination remains unclear, Dillard ended his farewell message with a promise to viewers: “I love y’all. We’ll talk soon.”
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This article originally published at FOX 26 Houston morning anchor announces emotional goodbye after 3 years.