Brenda Ladun Day declared after longtime anchor announces departure from ABC 33/40

Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a proclamation to celebrate longtime television journalist Brenda Ladun, who announced earlier this month she will be stepping away from ABC 33/40.

“29 years ago, I was invited to help build something new and be a part of broadcast history. We built ABC 33/40 with you in mind… I realize that we are so blessed to live in Alabama, where people really care about each other. You not only invited me into your homes each night, but you invited me into your hearts as well.”

Brenda Ladun in a letter to viewers

During a luncheon at the television station last week, Ladun was presented Ivey’s proclamation by some coworkers.

The proclamation officially creates Brenda Ladun Day across the state this Friday, Aug. 29. That will coincide with Ladun’s last day on the anchor desk with her final newscast being at 6PM.

In the address, Ivey notes Ladun’s “Fighting For You” reports and her impact while reporting on the April 27, 2011 tornadoes. But the governor also speaks on Ladun’s personal journey and how she shared it with the audience.

In an open letter on the station’s website, Ladun went into more detail about the community’s impact on her:

“When I was expecting my three boys, you embraced me becoming a new mother. You watched them grow up. You encouraged me and welcomed me as a speaker in many churches and groups to share my work life and home life faith journey.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer twice, you surrounded me with love, support, and encouragement. I shared my journey on an hour special, which won a coveted Edward R. Murrow industry award. But it’s not the award that I clung to. I received hundreds of cards, letters, and calls encouraging me that I could beat the cancer through faith. It was faith, family, and friends that held me up when I was weak from surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I wanted to warn you when I was diagnosed. As a 39-year-old mom of three who felt pretty good, I had a terrible, despicable disease growing inside me. I wanted to warn you to get your check-ups and mammograms, because through my journey, I learned that early detection was the key to survival. I’m grateful that my message moved some of you to get checked. I’ve heard from so many over the years that my urging caused you to get an early diagnosis. If I could save one life by sharing my story, then it was all worth it.

“You came to the Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Runs to raise money to fight cancer over the years. You allowed me to speak to your groups to help get the message out. For that, I thank you.”

Brenda Ladun

Last year, Ivey proclaimed May 24, 2024 as Pam Huff Day after the former ABC 33/40 anchor announced her retirement.

Want updates like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter today.