BOISE, Idaho —
Beloved KTVB anchor Dee Sarton is retiring from television news after working at Idaho’s leading news organization for nearly four decades.
The announcement was made at a KTVB company-wide meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Sarton’s final day on KTVB will be June 6.
Sarton detailed some of her plans for her next chapter in this letter to viewers:
Dear Friends,
Four decades ago I started a most amazing journey as a brand new employee of KTVB Channel 7 in Boise, Idaho. I had no idea then how much I would love my job, my co-workers, my new home and this great state. That love has only deepened over the years as I’ve met so many of you while covering stories, grocery shopping, attending a concert, putting gas in my car - everywhere I turn there you are being friendly and treating me like a neighbor and friend. It’s been incredible, and I’m thankful for every day that you’ve invited me into your home whether on air or online.
You can probably guess where this is going. After all, 40 years is a long time. Truth is, it has flown by and I can hardly believe it’s been that long, but that makes me realize that the next 40 years (give or take) will also fly by. So it’s time to retire and start tackling a long to-do list that mostly revolves around spending more time with family and friends, but also includes learning boogie-woogie piano, putting on a killer grandma camp for my grandkids, and maybe getting those alpacas I’ve joked about since they wouldn’t stop kissing me during a live shot from the Western Idaho Fair. Life is a grand adventure, and I’m looking forward to my next chapter while cherishing the past. I am blessed beyond measure and thank you for making my career at KTVB more than anyone could ask for. On June 6th I’ll be signing off for the final time, but I’ll be seeing you here and there as we all continue to make this the best place on earth to raise our children and grandchildren.
Meantime, my wonderful colleagues will continue the great traditions of Idaho’s Newschannel 7 that bring us together by keeping us informed and engaged as we move onward and upward.
With a grateful heart,
Dee
For many Idahoans, Sarton has been the face of the Treasure Valley’s evening news as the anchor of KTVB’s 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. Viewers came to appreciate her commitment to the local news, warm demeanor and measured, compassionate reporting of difficult community events. Whether at the anchor desk in the KTVB studio or reporting on location, Dee Sarton has personally witnessed three decades of Idaho’s defining moments and shared them with generations of Idaho families watching at home.
“Personally and professionally, it has been an honor to work alongside Dee Sarton. Her contributions to the legacy success of KTVB are immeasurable,” said KTVB President and General Manager Kate Morris. “As the most trusted voice in Idaho, Dee has provided leadership and guidance to four decades of journalists. Her warm, authentic and caring personality has been felt throughout multiple generations in our community. Please join me and the entire KTVB family in congratulating Dee on an incredible career and this significant milestone.”
Dee Sarton is an Idaho Hall of Fame journalist and a National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle inductee and a champion for children and education, serving on numerous non-profit boards, including the Special Needs Adoption Board of Directors, Children’s Home Board, the Hidden Springs Charter School Board, the Literacy Lab Advisory Board and the Assistance League Community Advisory Council. Her weekly Wednesday’s Child feature helped hundreds of Northwest foster children find adoptive homes.