All About WGN TV anchor Allison Payne Husband, Death, Net Worth

Allison Payne Biography

Allison Payne was a former longtime anchor for WGN TV in Chicago, Illinois. She has anchored at WGN TV for 21 years winning numerous awards for her outstanding journalism. She was also a veteran journalist and public speaker actively involving in charity works and community development initiatives.

She passed away on September 11 2021 at the age of 57.

Allison Payne Age, Death

Payne was 57 years old at the time of her death. She was born on 12th February 1964 in Richmond, Virginia. She died on September 11, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan,

Allison Payne Cause of Death

Payne was announced dead by her former tv station WGN TV. Dean Richards who is the Entertainment Reporter for WGN TV confirmed the sad news he shared on his social media in a tweet saying;

I’m so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. She co-anchored WGN News for 21 years earning 9 Emmys. Allison suffered a series of health issues although a cause of death has not been released. She was 57. RIP my friend.”

Anchor and reporter Vicky Baftiri also shared his heartfelt condolences on his Twitter saying;

I’m heartbroken. Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. I wish I could’ve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career. She was fiercely smart, beautiful, generous. I can’t believe she’s gone. 😩

Allison Payne Husband and Married

Payne lived a private life. She was previously married to a man named Don Riggs but they separated due to unknown reasons. She is also reported that she was later married to a man called Bobby Richardson which she has never cornifemd. Her married life and relationships remain a mystery to the public.

Allison Payne Children

Payne has never shared any information about having children or not as she lived a private life after retiring. More information about her children and husband will be updated soon.

Allison Payne Family, Parents and Education

Payne was born in Richmond, Virginia to her parents Kathryn and Dana. Her family moved to Detroit, Michigan, when she was five years old and attended St. Rita’s Catholic grade school and later went to Renaissance High School in Detroit. She later graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. Payne holds a master’s degree in radio/TV/film from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Allison Payne Anchoring Career

Payne began her journalism career at NBC affiliate WNWO (channel 24) in Toledo, Ohio as an intern. She was then promoted to the main anchor of the station’s late evening newscast. She then moved to WNEM-TV Channel 5 as the co-anchor of the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.

She then moved to Chicago in 1990 joining WGN-TV as the co-anchor of the primetime 9 p.m. newscast until 2009. She was also the evening and mid-day anchor alongside Steve Sanders.

Allison Payne WGN TV

Payne worked as an anchor for WGNT TV in Chicago, Illinois for close to 21 years. She served as the co-anchor of the WGN Midday News from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. after she left the station due to her health issues, Payne launched Payne Productions, Incorporated, a television production company that served to help students interested in the broadcasting business.

She remained a freelance journalist until her death.

Allison Payne Net Worth

Payne had an estimated net worth of $200 k or more from her journalism career.

Allison Payne Health Issues

Payne had experienced a continuous event of health issues that led her to retire from anchoring and reporting. In January and August 2008, she went on medical leave after suffering from a series of mini-strokes. She then took an indefinite leave of absence from WGN TV to cure her ongoing health issues.

In January 2010, Payne admitted that she was recovering from alcoholism which she battled for 20 years. In 2010 December, she took another leave of absence to rest her vocal cords. Her doctors wanted her to stay off air until they fixed her vocal cords.