Friends are paying tribute to ‘esteemed’ and ‘devoted’ radio personality Kat Simons, who has died leaving an ‘impossibly void in our hearts’.
Friends of radio personality Kat Simons are mourning and paying a melancholy tribute to her after she died.
Kat’s employment with Mix 98.1 Richmond, Virginia ended today after more than 25 years.
No one currently knows why Kat died.
Her radio station announced the tragic news on Saturday, describing her as a “dear friend” who “left a void in our hearts”.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Kat Simons,” they wrote on Facebook.
“This death has left a hole in our hearts that doesn’t seem worth filling.
“Kat has brought joy to our lives for decades by always being dedicated to her work, her listeners, her collaborators, and her sponsors.”
“She was more than just a voice on the radio; she was a treasured friend and comforting presence, always offering a kind word or sweet question with genuine curiosity.”
“Kat’s life was a symphony of kindness and sacrifice that played out over the airwaves of Virginia radio,” the statement said.
“For thirty years she informed, entertained, and kept us company, her warm, smoky voice becoming a household staple on Richmond and Hampton streets.”
Born in Elkins, West Virginia, Kat spent her early childhood on a farm where she came to adore animals.
She was known for her radio show Pet of the Day and campaigned for animal welfare throughout her life.
TRIBUTE TO EMOTIONS
Kat did not love people; she loved everyone. She was also an animal lover. “Her dog Stevie and her beloved cats showed her kindness,” Mix98.1 Richmond reported.
Among the causes she worked with were the Alzheimer’s Association, SPARC, Children’s Hospital, and the Henrico Humane Society.
“Whether at work or home, she was always there with me. The tribute continued: “Being with her was always a source of comfort and pleasure.”
Kat left us a legacy of love and kindness that will never fade. Katka, thank you for what you did.
Virginia This Morning co-host Bill Bevins also praised Kat. He spent several years as her radio partner.
He told CBS station WTVR, “People would say, ‘Nobody’s that nice because they could tell it was real.’
But she was. That’s exactly how she was.
It was done with sincerity. She was really scared. Bill remembered that Kat would use her show to benefit others.
“She was a personal Red Cross. He remarked, “That was great of her.”
“Think of someone or something that needs help and Kat will do it.
As radio DJ Melissa Chase said in Richmond, “Women in radio were just constantly coming together to take care of each other because when we started it was definitely a boys’ club.”
For women on the radio, it was similar to Mom.
She was quite helpful to us.
Kat later moved to Midlothian, Virginia, where she hosted a midday program on Mix 98.1 Richmond – formerly known as Lite 98 – for a long time.
In one of her latest Instagram posts, posted on June 17, she asked people to adopt a “sweet and cuddly” puppy she met at a local rescue shelter.
The passing of Kat Simons has left a deep and irreplaceable void in the hearts of her friends, colleagues, and listeners. A respected figure in the Richmond radio community for over 25 years, Kat’s warm voice and compassionate spirit resonated with everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, whether on air or in person. Her dedication to work, kindness to people and animals, and her active involvement in charitable events leave behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Her colleagues fondly remember her as a friend who was always ready to offer support, comfort, and encouragement. From her work in animal welfare to her commitment to helping those in need, Kat has been a beacon of kindness in her community.
Heartfelt tributes from those who worked with her, such as Bill Bevins and Melissa Chase, highlight how she broke barriers for women in radio while remaining a caring figure for others in the industry.
Although her passing brings immense sadness, Kat Simons’ life was a testament to love, compassion, and selflessness. Her memory will live on through the lives she touched, the animals she saved, and the kindness she spread. While her listeners and friends mourn her loss, they will also celebrate the beautiful legacy she left behind.