BOISE, Idaho — Dee Sarton signed off from KTVB for the last time after 40 years in journalism, and on Wednesday, many friends and community members turned out to the Boise Depot to give her a big sendoff.
Dee is a broadcast news icon throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond. For many, Dee has been the recognizable and trusted face on television that they tune in to see every day.
“Definitely Dee is going to be one that’s going to be sorely missed as far as the public figure," said Karen Daley, who has watched Dee since she started at KTVB in the late 1970s. "But no doubt that woman is a woman of grace and stature.”
“She is such a bright, shiny, smiling face – that part of it, not seeing her on TV regularly – that’ll be missed,” said Murray Daley, another long-time viewer.
For many, Dee was also a friendly face off the screen.
“She’s a wonderful lady," said Jorge Castilleja, with Special Olympics Idaho. "She’s a hardworking woman, she has a lot of pride in her work.”
“She’s rather unique, you don’t see people like that too often,” said another loyal viewer.
Other viewers say it's bittersweet to see Dee go.
“I’ve seen her at multiple events, she was always there for a big hug and a big smile," said Allie Lopez. "I had the privilege of being interview by her and she’s just a doll. I love her so much. I’m so excited about her life and about the second chapter of her life with her family which she so, so deserves.”
In her 40 years, Dee covered everything from weather to sports as well as crime and elections. Those she met along the way say she always left an impression.
For Boise State football coach Bryan Harsin, Dee was a good luck charm for them and he hopes to see her at games now that she's got some time on her hands. During Dee's final newscast, Harsin presented Dee with her own personalized Broncos jersey.
“We’re all about recruiting so I do have this jersey here for you," he said. "Channel 7 with your name on the back of it and we would love for you to come down here and spend a little time with the Broncos.”
Former Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter was interviewed by Dee on 18 of his 25 elections and said she was always professional.
Boise Police Chief Bill Bones was the first officer Dee did a ride along with. On Wednesday, he presented Dee with a special BPD silver pin.
“I just want to say thanks," Bones said. "We are going to miss her so much. It’s a huge loss for the city of Boise and it’s a huge loss for the Boise Police Department.”
Dee's work in the community also goes unmatched. One thing she's most well-known for is her many years of work with the weekly Wednesday's Child segments, which helped 500 children get adopted and find homes.
That giving spirit is what made her special to so many around the Treasure Valley. Mayor Debbie Kling with the city of Nampa said they're proud to claim Dee as a resident of their city and during Dee's farewell reception, Kling presented her with a key to the city.
“You’re very special in our hearts and we love you very much," Kling said. "We look forward to staying in touch."
It's not just Nampa who wants to leave Dee with a special surprise.
Boise Mayor Dave Bieter also gave Dee the key to the City of Boise, along with a proclamation signed by all the Treasure Valley mayors.
"I have what I don’t think has been done, at least not in the time I’ve been here," Bieter said. "It’s a proclamation signed by every mayor across the valley proclaiming it Dee Sarton day [June 5] in all our cities.”
Full of emotion after that presentation, Dee said she was touched and that shows why she loved working in the Treasure Valley community.
“I am so blessed," she said. "I’m blessed beyond measure. I love this city, I love this state so much so to have something like this - I could never have dreamed. Thank you.”
Congressman Mike Simpson's staff also showed up with a surprise for Dee: he wrote a speech honoring Dee's commitment to her career and community and entered it into the Library of Congress.
Before ending her final newscast, Dee thanked many who had helped make her career such a success. Heading into retirement, Dee said she has big plans to enjoy all of her grandchildren.
“Thank you, thank you for a career I could have never dreamed or imagined," Dee said as she signed off. "I am a blessed woman and I don’t take it for granted but I can hardly imagine how life could be much better. Thank you so much."
Watch more 'Dee Sarton's life in broadcasting' in our YouTube playlist: