Valerie Hoff DeCarlo, a former CNN and Atlanta news anchor, has died at the age of 62. Her passing has revived interest in the story of her rise in broadcast journalism, the controversy that abruptly ended her career, and the personal battles she faced in her final years. As tributes emerge, many are looking back at the complicated legacy she leaves behind.
Early Life and Career at CNN
Valerie Hoff DeCarlo was born in Columbus, Ohio, and went on to study at Ohio University before briefly enrolling at Emory Law School. She soon shifted her focus toward journalism, a decision that led her into national broadcasting.
Her career took off in 1990 when CNN hired her as a writer. She quickly moved on-air and became an anchor for CNN Headline News and the CNN Airport Network. From 1992 to 1999, she appeared regularly on national broadcasts, establishing herself as a trusted newsroom presence. Colleagues often described her as quick, confident, and well-suited for the pace of live television.
Prominent Role at Atlanta’s WXIA-TV
After leaving CNN, DeCarlo joined Atlanta’s NBC affiliate, WXIA-TV (11Alive), where she built a long and notable career from 1999 to 2017. She worked as both an anchor and a consumer reporter, often sharing stories rooted in her own experiences.
She spoke openly about adopting her son from Russia and documented her battle with breast cancer after undergoing a double mastectomy in 2013. Her consumer reports, especially money-saving segments, helped her connect with viewers on a more personal level. For many Atlanta families, she became a familiar and relatable presence on local television.
The Controversial Exit From Journalism
Valerie Hoff DeCarlo’s career came to a sudden end in 2017 after a private message she sent while pursuing a story became public. In the message, she used the N-word while referring to herself in conversation with a young Black man who had posted a video related to police activity.
Although she later said the term was self-directed and not meant as an insult to the source, he was offended and shared the exchange publicly. The incident generated widespread backlash. DeCarlo was suspended by 11Alive and soon resigned, effectively ending a more than 25-year career in journalism.
After leaving the industry, she briefly ran a personal blog focused on travel, food, and lifestyle topics, though it was eventually taken down.
Health Struggles and Final Years
DeCarlo’s life took another difficult turn when she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2024. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she continued making family plans and tried to remain optimistic. Her husband, Derrick DeCarlo—whom she married in 2004—remembered her as strong, loving, and fiercely devoted to their two sons.
Her earlier battle with breast cancer in 2013 had already shown her resilience, and she often used her platform to raise awareness about self-examination and early detection.
Death of Valerie Hoff DeCarlo
Valerie Hoff DeCarlo died at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy shaped by professional achievements, personal courage, and a controversy that overshadowed the end of her career. For viewers who watched her for years on CNN, she remains a memorable figure whose work touched everything from breaking news to personal storytelling.
