After 40 years of hosting the morning show on Toronto’s CHUM 104.5, beloved broadcaster Marilyn Denis will be stepping away from the role this summer.
Star readers flooded the comments with well wishes and some of their favourite memories of Denis. We heard from loyal listeners, including some who met her and even a neighbour. Here are some of the most memorable comments:
The morning commuters
“Marilyn has been the voice I have listened to for over 35 years on my daily commute. She will be missed. Well deserved retirement after so long getting up at the crack of dawn to entertain us.” – June L
“I remember listening to Roger, Rick and Marilyn in 1987 when I woke up in the morning after my first night in Toronto, in the basement of a colleague, after being transferred from Quebec City. It made the culture shock a bit easier!” – Francois
Listener love
“Very happy Marilyn gets to sleep in after 40 years but selfishly will miss hearing her voice every morning for over 30 years. Congrats on retiring. You don’t want to work forever anyway! You deserve a new chapter! All the best!” – Cindy
“One day in 1990, Marilyn was talking about an upcoming concert by a performer. I knew that the performer was, at the time, the supporting act to another artist (I don’t remember who they were now). I wondered if this meant the headliner was coming to Toronto, so I sent a fax to the station asking that question. Later that morning, the phone line on the fax machine rang and it was Marilyn Denis herself calling to tell me that the headliner tour was finishing up and the supporting act was going to be in Toronto on their own. She took the time to call some random listener with a question! Amazing!” – Angela
Those who met her
“I met Marilyn on the set of the Marilyn Dennis show. She’s down to earth and that’s why she has lasted so long in radio and in TV. Not many have the ear of people for so long. I wish her the best in whatever she decides to do next. She will be sorely missed.” – Janet
“Years ago when Adam was a baby, we were neighbours. She always left home at an ungodly hour to get to the radio station. She was as kind and friendly in person as she comes across on the radio. She deserves nothing but the best and to be happy in her next adventures.” – Eileen
“Marilyn was in the job for 40 years because people loved listening to her. She is warm, genuine and down to earth. I recall her sharing stories about her son Adam and hockey, her divorce, finding love. You can’t fake being authentic.” – Kathleen
What did you love about Marilyn Denis? Did you get the chance to meet or talk to her? Share your favourite memories with us in the comment section below.
