Kellie Burns reflects on 30-plus-year TV news career before her farewell

Gulf Coast News anchor Kellie Burns is preparing to say goodbye after 33 years of delivering trusted news to the community, sharing heartfelt reflections on her career and partnership with her co-anchor, Peter Busch.

"I would like to say for the record that I did not want to do this interview because it means that you are leaving me," Peter said.

Kellie responded, "Don't make me cry."

Peter recalled meeting Kellie in February 2012 when he came to Fort Myers to interview for his current job. The two bonded over their shared passion for journalism, their Rust Belt roots, and their similar experiences in parenthood. At the time, Kellie had just given birth to her daughter, Elle, while Peter’s youngest daughter had been born just weeks later.

"When I decided to take this job and move across the country from Arizona, I didn't fully appreciate how lucky I would be to have such a wonderful co-anchor," Peter said.

Kellie reflected on their friendship, saying, "I know we never thought this day would come. That will be one of the hardest things for me, walking away from you. But our friendship transcends this place."

Peter described his time working alongside Kellie as "the honor of a lifetime," noting how they guided viewers through some of the Gulf Coast's biggest stories.

"Someone once asked me why I have decided to stay for so long. It's been 14 years now, and I told them because I don't think I could ever have a co-anchor as good as you. Because I feel like you are my family, Kellie," Peter said.

Kellie responded, "That means so much to me. But you know, we both love this community. This means a lot. I walk through that door, and I put my heart and soul into this job. It's very important. And I take that responsibility seriously, that people actually are in their homes, and they're allowing us to come into their homes every night. I'm forever thankful to people who turn on the news and watch us because I know that they have a lot of different choices, and they choose us."

She also highlighted the loyalty of their viewers, saying, "We've had such loyal viewers. They've made the 6:00 p.m. newscast number one for almost 30 years. I'm going to brag on that a little bit. We're the most-watched newscast because people know that we're telling them the truth. Local news is so important, and they know that, and they tune in to watch what's happening."

A special send-off for Burns is planned for Thursday at 8 p.m. on Gulf Coast NBC, celebrating her 36 years in journalism and her lasting impact on the Gulf Coast community.