Kelly Frey shares love of Pittsburgh in farewell message

Former WTAE anchor Kelly Frey in a Facebook post Friday said she and the station could not agree to terms as she thanked viewers for their support as word spread of her departure.

“I love you Pittsburgh,” she wrote. “Truly. From the bottom of my heart. And I won’t deny tears welling up as I write this.”

Wednesday morning, Channel 4 released a statement about Frey’s exit from the station: “After consideration and discussion over her next contract, Kelly Frey is leaving WTAE Channel 4. Kelly has been an important part of our family and success over the last 21 years. We wish Kelly and her family all the best.”

Frey, in her Facebook post, said: “WTAE’s statement is accurate and reflects the simple truth that we could not agree to terms. That said, my time at WTAE and the opportunity I was afforded there to build my friendship with you was a ‘gift’ that I’ll always treasure.”

Frey joined Channel 4 in 2000. A West Chester native, Frey graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and began her TV news career at TV stations in Louisiana and Arkansas before returning to Pittsburgh.

During her tenure, she shared her fight against breast cancer and was named 2017 Pittsburgher of the year by Pittsburgh Magazine. She also shared details of her family life, including about her son Bennett, who was born with a rare brain malformation, Dandy-Walker syndrome and epileps. She often posts about special needs issues on her Facebook page.

“I certainly hope you’ll be hearing more from me in the days to come,” Frey wrote. “You can find me on either FB Building for Bennett, a page dedicated to our son and people with disabilities, or FB Kelly Frey.

“But for right now, I’m going to take my dogs for more long walks, focus on my family, my faith and catch up on 21 years of lost sleep!”