Valerie Calhoun Biography: Award-Winning News Anchor at FOX13 Memphis

Valerie Calhoun is a celebrated American journalist and a five-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor at WHBQ-TV (FOX13 Memphis). Since December 1995, she has co-hosted the station’s flagship morning newscast, Good Morning Memphis, airing weekdays from 4:30 to 10 a.m.

Known for her warmth, credibility, and community presence, Valerie has become a trusted voice in Memphis news for nearly three decades.

She was inducted into the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame for her distinguished contributions to the field, including her early investigative work covering a coal mine explosion in East Tennessee.

Early Life & Education

• Hometown: East Tennessee

• Education: Began at East Tennessee State University and later graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a degree in journalism.

Valerie’s path into broadcasting was not without challenges. After college, she was told by a news director that she would “never make it” because of her accent and hair.

Undeterred, she worked in smaller markets across the Carolinas, Alabama, and at WCYB-TV in the Tri-Cities before landing her role in Memphis.

Professional Career

Early Career

• Started reporting in smaller markets in the Carolinas and Alabama.

• Covered significant stories early on, including a coal mine explosion in East Tennessee.

FOX13 Memphis (1995–Present)

• Joined WHBQ-TV FOX13 Memphis: December 1995

• Role: Co-anchor of Good Morning Memphis with Ernie Freeman

• Schedule: Weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

• Has remained a cornerstone of Memphis morning news for nearly 30 years, adapting to changes in the industry and mentoring younger journalists.

Career Highlights

• Five-time Emmy Award Winner – for investigative and feature reporting.

• Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame Inductee – honoring her lasting contributions to journalism in the state.

• Event Host & Emcee – frequently leads major Memphis events, including:

  • Memphis Business Journal’s Super Women in Business Awards

  • Jockeys and Juleps Fundraiser

  • Macy’s Meet the Experts

  • Author events at Novel Bookstore

Community Involvement

• Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy: Advisory board member and volunteer horse leader/side walker.

• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: Former board member.

• Community Service: Active supporter of local organizations and frequent emcee for charity events.

Personal Life

• Current Residence: Memphis, Tennessee

• Lifestyle & Interests: Enjoys walking, biking, and spending quiet time at home.

Valerie Calhoun Age, Birthday:

Valerie Calhoun was born on June 11, which makes her zodiac sign Gemini. While she has not publicly shared her exact year of birth, estimates place her in her early to mid-50s, given her career beginnings in the early 1990s and the fact that she has a son born in 2002.

She is American by nationality, White by ethnicity, and was born and raised in East Tennessee. Today, she resides in Memphis, Tennessee, where she continues her career as a leading journalist and community figure.

Valerie Calhoun Parents and Siblings:

Valerie Calhoun was born and raised in East Tennessee, where she developed her early passion for journalism and storytelling. Her upbringing in this region has remained a foundational part of her identity, even as she built her career in Memphis.

Family Background

• Parents: Valerie has described her parents as loving, supportive, and caring, but she has not publicly shared their names or professions.
• Siblings: There is no publicly available information confirming whether Valerie has siblings.

Valerie is known for maintaining a high level of privacy regarding her personal life, especially family details. This discretion reflects her professional focus and respect for boundaries between public and private spheres.

Valerie Calhoun Husband:

Valerie Calhoun is married and has maintained a private yet enduring relationship. Calhoun has one son and resides in Memphis, Tennessee.

Valerie occasionally references her family life in interviews and public appearances. However, she keeps most personal details—such as her husband’s full name and profession—out of the spotlight, reflecting her commitment to privacy and professionalism.

Valerie Calhoun Son:

Valerie Calhoun has one son, born in April 2002 (he turned 17 on April 24, 2019, and she posted a belated birthday message on April 25, 2025). She has occasionally shared pride in his milestones, such as attending his high school senior parade in 2020, but keeps further family details private.

Valerie Calhoun Height:

Valerie Calhoun stands at about 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall, a detail estimated through visual comparisons with her co-anchors and event appearances. She maintains a healthy weight in the range of 130 to 140 pounds (59–64 kg). Her body measurements are estimated at 34-26-36 inches.

Valerie Calhoun FOX13 Memphis Career Timeline:

Early 1990s: Foundational Years

Calhoun began her career in smaller media markets, which provided a crucial training ground. She worked in the Carolinas and Alabama, eventually landing at WCYB-TV in the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee.

These early roles required her to be a “one-man band,” handling everything from shooting and editing video to writing and reporting stories.

This period was marked by a defining moment: covering a coal mine explosion in East Tennessee. This experience, which involved reporting on the profound loss of fathers and sons, deeply impacted her and reinforced the human element of journalism.

December 1995: Arrival in Memphis

Calhoun’s move to Memphis marked a significant turning point. She joined WHBQ-TV (FOX13 Memphis) shortly after Fox purchased the station and established a morning show.

She began as a reporter and anchor, quickly becoming a key part of the new Good Morning Memphis program.

Her arrival coincided with a major shift in the local media landscape, and she played a central role in shaping the new morning news format.

Late 1990s–2000s: Ascending to Anchor

During this period, Calhoun solidified her position as a lead anchor. She transitioned to a full-time co-anchoring role on Good Morning Memphis, where she formed a lasting professional partnership with Ernie Freeman.

Her work during this time earned her multiple Emmy Awards for her investigative and feature stories. These accolades underscore her talent for going beyond breaking news to produce in-depth, meaningful journalism that resonated with viewers.

2010s–Present: A Community Fixture

In recent years, Calhoun has been recognized for her long and impactful career. She was inducted into the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame in 2019, a testament to her contributions to the field. Valerie continues to co-anchor Good Morning Memphis and has expanded her role beyond broadcasting.

She is an active member of the Memphis community, serving as an emcee for various events and volunteering for organizations like the Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

On November 27, 2024, she celebrated her 29th work anniversary at FOX13, marking her nearly three-decade commitment to serving the Memphis area.

Valerie Calhoun Net Worth and Salary:

Valerie Calhoun’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $5 million, accumulated primarily through her long-standing journalism career at FOX13 Memphis. Her annual salary is estimated between $40,000 and $110,500, typical for experienced local news anchors in mid-sized markets.

Who Is Valerie Calhoun Husband?

Valerie Calhoun is married. She and her husband have been together since July 1998, and they share one son. Valerie keeps her family life relatively private, focusing her public presence on journalism and community engagement in Memphis.

How Old Is Valerie Calhoun?

Valerie Calhoun was born on June 11 in East Tennessee.

She has not publicly revealed her exact birth year, but based on her career starting in the early 1990s and the fact that her son was born in 2002, she is estimated to be in her early to mid-50s as of 2025.

Where Is Valerie Calhoun?

Valerie Calhoun is based in Memphis, Tennessee, where she lives and continues to anchor Good Morning Memphis at FOX13 Memphis (WHBQ-TV). She has called Memphis home since joining the station in 1995 and remains actively employed there as of September 2025.

Summary Table:

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Sources

• Bio Intro (Emmys, FOX13, Community): FOX13 confirms Good Morning Memphis co-host since 1995, 5 Emmys, TN Journalism Hall of Fame, Southern Reins/JDRF roles. Link: https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/fox13newsstaff/valerie-calhoun-anchor/article_79ddbd6c-74b1-11ed-a238-537b722281f7.html

• Upbringing/Education: FOX13, Collierville Chamber note East TN roots, UT Knoxville degree. Link: https://www.fox13memphis.com/archives/valerie-calhoun/article_9cf3e38b-de3f-57c1-b73a-380cef1ca376.html Link: https://colliervillechamber.com/breaking-news-with-valerie-calhoun/

• Career Timeline: FOX13, Facebook confirm 1995 start, prior Carolinas/Alabama roles, 2024 anniversary. Link: https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/fox13newsstaff/valerie-calhoun-anchor/article_79ddbd6c-74b1-11ed-a238-537b722281f7.html

• Son (Born ~2002): FOX13 archives imply son born ~2002. Link: https://www.fox13memphis.com/archives/valerie-calhoun/article_9cf3e38b-de3f-57c1-b73a-380cef1ca376.html

• Age/Birthday (Mid-50s, June): Career timeline suggests mid-50s; June birthday via Facebook. Link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=994168235429130

• Husband: No details; private. Link: https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/fox13newsstaff/valerie-calhoun-anchor/article_79ddbd6c-74b1-11ed-a238-537b722281f7.html

• Location (Memphis): FOX13, Muck Rack confirm active Memphis role. Link: https://www.fox13memphis.com/about-us/fox13newsstaff/valerie-calhoun-anchor/article_79ddbd6c-74b1-11ed-a238-537b722281f7.html Link: https://muckrack.com/valerie-calhoun