The mystery about Hall of Fame host Kathy Hart was in the news again Thursday. Hart is co-host of the Eric & Kathy morning show on Hubbard’s WTMX in Chicago, and she’s been off the air since April. Hart’s contract is up in December, and she’s been negotiating with the station to bring the matter to some sort of conclusion. The station is calling it a leave of absence. On Thursday Hart sent a three-paragraph message to Chicago media writer Robert Feder. It’s the first anyone has heard from her since she stopped showing up for work.
It has to be a bit odd at the station this week, as the 18th annual radiothon called “Eric & Kathy’s Kids” is being held without the host. Also, despite Hart’s being gone, the show is still getting great ratings. Here is the full text of the statement Hart sent Feder. You can also read Feder’s entire column about the situation HERE
“To everyone who has reached out with concern and support these last few months, I want to say a very sincere thank you. As open as we’ve always been on the show, it was certainly uncharacteristic to not explain my absence . . . and even more uncharacteristic for me to be silent for this long. I trust from the many years of our connection, you will support and respect the personal nature of why I have been off the air.
It has been challenging, mentally and physically, to be away for this long, especially on days like Friday for the live broadcast from Lurie Children’s for ‘Eric & Kathy’s Kids.’ I’ve always admired how E&K listeners come together to love and support these kids and their families. It’s also a great reminder that health and family should never be taken for granted and always come first, no matter what.
I have always considered the Mix and our listeners as family, and want to express my infinite gratitude to everyone who has reached out to me personally and supported me publicly. Please stay tuned as I fully intend to be back on the air.”
