Legendary Minnesota News Anchor Retiring After Nearly 25 Years On-Air

People watching the Monday evening news were surprised by a stunning announcement. The main anchor, who has been the face of the station for almost 25 years, revealed that he was stepping down at the end of the month.

Legendary Minnesota News Anchor Is Retiring After Nearly 25 Years On-Air

Former and current colleagues rushed to social media to praise the Minnesota broadcasting legend.

Robin Wolfram, a former co-anchor who now works for the competition, shared a note on Facebook that said he is "One of the most amazing human beings, talented journalists, compassionate community members and dearest of friends."

His current co-host, Caitlin Alexander, shared her thoughts online too. "He dedicates countless hours to supporting the community, and nonprofits, and telling people’s stories."

Alexander (pictured below) went on to say he was much more than a coworker, "But to me, over the past eight years, he’s been a mentor, a free therapist, and a listening ear. He’s someone I can have an entire conversation with without saying a word and someone who makes me laugh so hard I cry."

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From time to time, radio and television personalities team up on projects. I've worked with Tom a few times over the years and I can echo the words above. He's one of the kindest people I've met in the broadcasting industry.

Why Is Tom Overlie Retiring?

Overlie said it's been "an incredible 24 years" with KTTC and explained that he's been in the local news industry for more than three decades.

Tom told viewers that he'll "be stepping back duties at KTTC at the end of this month to help my parents and pursue other creative endeavors. It’s not goodbye, just farewell for now."

The veteran news anchor also took time to thank his coworkers.

"Thank you to my family at KTTC who’ve been with me on this incredible journey—and to our exceptional viewers. It has been an honor to serve you each night at six and ten. I am deeply grateful."

KTTC says the 6:00 p.m. newscast on March 28 will be his last with the station.