Nashville Says Goodbye to a Morning Icon
Nashville, the city known for its vibrant music scene and burgeoning culinary landscape, is about to bid farewell to one of its long-standing morning show co-hosts, Neil Orne. After an incredible 29 years on air, Neil’s last day at the station will come just before the Thanksgiving festivities, on November 27th. For many Nashvillians, this news brings a wave of nostalgia as they reflect on the years of watching him bring a friendly face every morning.
The Early Morning Routine
Orne, 58, shared in a recent phone interview, “When you’re 58 and waking up every morning at 1:30 a.m., you have a constant pros and cons list going.” After nearly three decades of early mornings, it seems that the cons finally began to outweigh the pros. Despite the bittersweet nature of his departure, Neil leaves the station with a heart full of gratitude. “To have a front row seat to what’s happened in this town for 30 years is pretty amazing,” he reflected.
A Unique Journey
Having joined the channel back in 1995 as a weekend weather forecaster and reporter, Neil Orne’s journey from his home state of Maine to the heart of Nashville has been nothing short of remarkable. Recalling his start, he humorously remarked, “I never expected to last a week in Nashville.” Little did he know then that he would grow to become the sixth-most veteran TV news personality currently on air in Music City, alongside icons such as Bob Mueller and Davis Nolan.
Neil’s time on the morning show was filled with laughter and relatable moments—his quick wit and sense of humor remained his hallmark. “He brought a sense of levity to our mornings,” said a fellow colleague, highlighting Neil’s knack for lightening tough news days, like during the chaos of 9/11 and the devastating 1998 tornado.
Relationships Beyond the Screen
One striking aspect of Neil’s career has been his interactions with viewers. Orne candidly discussed a tragic moment in his life—the death of his father in a plane crash in 1999—which profoundly shaped his relationship with his audience. “The way people reacted to that made me fall in love with the people who watched the show,” he added, acknowledging the support he found in those who tuned in each morning.
Changes in the News Landscape
As Neil prepares to step away from the mic, he voiced his concerns about the evolving landscape of local TV news. He noted that “getting people to sit and watch a produced newscast is being replaced by 20-second clips on phones”. This change has left him contemplative about the future of broadcast journalism and how it can remain relevant amid the fast-paced digital age.
Nashville’s Transformation
In his 29 years, Neil has witnessed incredible changes in Nashville itself, evolving from a city often overlooked to a thriving cultural hub. “The city seemed to have a chip on its shoulder once, but it has transformed into a bustling southeastern center,” he remarked, expressing both admiration and concern for the preservation of Nashville’s unique culture amidst rapid growth.
A New Chapter Ahead
While Neil will be leaving his morning show seat, he emphasized that he isn’t retiring. Instead, he is seeking new challenges but hasn’t set any specific plans just yet. The outpouring of heartfelt messages from fans and colleagues has left him genuinely touched. “I do get emotional when I’m talking to coworkers or people who’ve watched for a long time,” he said, bringing a note of sincerity to his farewell.
Nashville will undoubtedly miss Neil Orne’s familiar face and welcoming smile. As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to appreciate the joy he has brought into our lives over nearly three decades. Cheers to Neil as he embarks on this new journey—Nashville will always be thankful for the memories he created.
