MPR News host Angela Davis announced on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer and will be taking a leave of absence from her position to prioritize her health. In a statement shared on MPR News’ website, the organization expressed its support, stating, “Angela is deeply grateful for the support of her colleagues and listeners, and she asks for privacy during this time. We look forward to welcoming her back when she is ready.”
Career Overview and Impact
Davis, 57, has had a distinguished career in journalism, beginning her journey on a tobacco farm in Virginia. She earned a full four-year scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. Her career took off with several roles at major networks, including CNN and various local stations in Lexington, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C.. In 1994, she joined KSTP, and aside from a brief period in Dallas, the Twin Cities have been her home ever since.
After decades of experience at KSTP and WCCO, Davis transitioned to public radio in 2018, where she began hosting the 11 a.m. slot before moving to the 9 a.m. hour in 2021. Her talk show focuses on solutions and encourages listeners to engage in conversations about issues that matter.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
In her personal life, Davis is married to Duchesne Drew, who serves as the senior vice president at American Public Media Group and president of Minnesota Public Radio. The couple resides in St. Paul, Minnesota, specifically in the Highland Park area. Davis has expressed a desire to spark discussions that lead to constructive change within the community.
“With my talk show, I try to focus on solutions and getting people to think about what we as individuals have control over,” Davis told the Pioneer Press in 2021. “I hope the conversation sparks new conversations and listeners start talking and thinking about issues they may not have spent time thinking about before.”
As she embarks on this new chapter in her life, the support from her colleagues and the community highlights the impact she has made through her work. Davis’s commitment to thoughtful dialogue and her contributions to journalism will be eagerly missed during her absence. The MPR News team and her audience look forward to her return when she is ready to resume her role.
