A well-known Acadiana broadcaster is retiring after more than 40 years in the business.
Debbie Ray of the CJ and Debbie Ray morning show on 99.9 KTDY signed off this morning. Debbie Ray is calling this her semi-retirement.
Whether getting ready for school or work, CJ and Debbie Ray have been a part of many of our mornings for 22-years.
“It’s been a wild ride. I learned a lot and met some incredible people and had some amazing adventures. It would not have been possible without the people who listened to the radio station. So, thank you,” said Debbie Ray.
Co-host CJ Clements said, “You know, I never imagined it would last that long, but I never thought it would end. It’s been a very, very good ride.”
Friday morning, tributes to Debbie Ray poured in, thanking her for her commitment to Acadiana. She worked on-air for more than 40 years. As a young broadcaster, she worked at various stations but decided to take a break.
“My husband and I had a photography business for a few years, which was wonderful, but I missed radio and I came back,” said Debbie Ray.
That decision lead to the longest-running morning radio show in Acadiana.
Laughing, Debbie Ray said, “I’m kind of looking forward to not hearing me.”
CJ said, “Debbie Ray is such a classy lady. She’s a classy, classy, classy lady. She has a big heart, and I’ll always love her. She was my work wife.”
Going into retirement, Debbie Ray said she looks forward to traveling, spending time with her husband and catching up on something precious to us all.
“I plan to sleep for a month and catch up. It might take six months, but I do plan to catch up on all of the sleep I’ve lost because of waking up at 3:30 in the morning,” said Debbie Ray.
For both CJ and Debbie Ray, they say the chemistry they had is something you can’t fake. Their passion for the job and each other was evident on air.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to sit across from you. You have enhanced my life and my career,” said CJ.
Debbie Ray said while signing off, “Thanks to everyone who has put up with us for all of these years. Without people who listen to the show, we would not have had the opportunity to do what we do and, as you always say, to have milk in the fridge. Thanks to everyone who has ever listened to us.”
KTDY has named Emily J as CJ’s new co-host.
