Well, the time has come to say good-bye. I am retiring! After almost 19 years at Q13 (18 years on the morning show!), it’s time to move on and get more sleep! I think my last day will be October 1st. BUT, I may be on air a little on October 4-6 as I train our new morning meteorologist, Brian MacMillan. He is currently working at FOX 12 in Portland, but he and his wife are both natives of Western Washington and their families are here. With 2 young children, he’s thrilled to be closer to his kids’ grandparents.
Meanwhile, I will spend my last 2 weeks here reminiscing about my time at Q13. Here are a couple of photos of our morning anchor team! I consider these colleagues my friends and, over the years, we have shared some amazing times!
Betsy Prall • January 8, 2022
MJ you were the reason I watched the Q13 News in the a.m., your personality radiated love for our four-legged friends. Have a wonderful retirement!
Laura Tabellini Pierre • January 6, 2022
Dear MJ, I miss you and your paw’s walk! I wish they continue that but I haven’t seen it so far 🙁 Thank you for making us see our crazy Washington weather from our pets’ eyes! We miss you. Enjoy your retirement!
Gywnne Dederer • January 6, 2022
Wondering where you went.enjoy your retirement.you are missed.one of a kind you are.
Kathy • January 4, 2022
It’s like losing a sister
Nancy Belle SKeels • December 10, 2021
MJ, Adam, and Bill were the reason I watched 13 Morning News. Fun watching MJ over the years…she made the weather fun as well as informative…will certainly miss her. Bill was great and miss him. So glad Adam is still around. I’ll still check out 13 as it was always my favorite morning local news.
Susan & Dave in Arlington • December 7, 2021
We missed the word that you were retiring, thought maybe you were just on an extendo-vacation!
You are SO missed by so many viewers & our pets. Know that we all wish you the best, have a happy retirement! WOOF!!
Susan • December 7, 2021
I miss MJ and consider her a friend after years of inviting her into my home for her morning broadcasts. MJ, thank you for your stellar work.
Diane Curry • December 1, 2021
MJ , God gave you the charisma to connect with his people even if it’s the weather report, may sound overly religious. But god had a plan for each of us . Watch you each morning. God bless you. Diane
Kaler Crane • December 1, 2021
The morning weather report, not only on Fox, but across the board in the Seattle viewing area is now missing the best.
The thing that I really enjoyed about MJ’s time on camera, she was such a real and a genuine person. You always found her creditable and someone you would love to sit down and share life stories and a cup of coffee with.
You are missed, enjoy your time and thank you.
Kaler
Connie Smith • November 29, 2021
My goodness, I am missing MJ already and as a “some-timer” with channel 13 getting used to the new guy on the block will take some getting work. I will miss your doggy days and upbeat reporting. Take care and keep that great hairdo of yours flipping’.
Kelli Buck • November 10, 2021
I was wondering where MJ went since I don’t watch a lot but when I do it was for her. Now my morning weather isn’t the same. I miss Mj!
Donna Hargus • November 5, 2021
MJ, we’re really sad to see you go. You have been an outstanding member of the morning team and our favorite weatherperson in the Puget Sound area. We will miss your wit, your acumen, your astute forecasts, your knowledge of the area . . . pretty much everything about you & YOUR weather reports. Of course, we wish you every happiness in your retirement, and do not begrudge you some extra sleep in the mornings – enjoy! Please take care, be well, and accept our MANY, MANY THANKS for your spectacular career of service at Q13. You da bomb!
Rose • October 29, 2021
First MJ and now Travis… I guess things change, but these two were a light in the mornings… Going to miss them both.
Kris Bailey • October 29, 2021
We miss you MJ! Happy retirement though.
william moore • October 27, 2021
Not since king five purged its staff of creators have I seen such an alarming change in staff. I will miss A.J, the little guy and all the others. As someone else said I hope you enjoy your retirement.
william moore
Pat D • October 26, 2021
MJ is so missed. I was hoping she was on vacation. I hope it was twins getting older that made her decision and not management.
If Travis goes too I may have to rethink my morning tv. Though I do like Adam and the rest of the morning team but MJ and Travis just made/make it special.
Steve R. • October 26, 2021
I guess no more pizza Friday……that was so funny.
Mike Root (Mikeybob) • October 25, 2021
Yep Q13 has made a big mistake letting her go.
Brian, seams to know his stuff! But he will never fill the shoes left behind by MJ
YEP! add me to the growing list of thoes that dearly miss you!
It looks as if there’s a real shakeup going on at the “Q” they are dumping Travis too….
What the heck is going on…,
Shirley Johnsin Murray • October 25, 2021
What a dumb move on the part of Channel 13. M.J. was and is a morning boost…so enjoyed watching and listening to her report daily. If a genuine retirement then I wish her well, although she will be missed. Again, if the result of changes at the channel (as another member of the morning team is leaving – Travis) is due to management, well, as far as I am concerned you have lost and will loose part of a great team.
Laura james • October 25, 2021
I had to Google where you were… must have been on vacation when you announced your retirement …had no idea! Congratulations!!!
We’ll all miss you & your bubbly personality!!
God bless …
Bonnie Kindle • October 25, 2021
Boy your already missed your bubbly face your bubbly actions your a great person god bless you on your retirement
Paul Thompson • October 22, 2021
Too much energy to retire MJ. You were a morning lightning bolt!! Remember seeing you at KOMO when you were an Intern.
Bruce a Benson • October 21, 2021
I have been on vacation in Idaho/Utah for several weeks and did not realize you were retiring. So sorry , I always looked forward to watching you with your bright smile and positive attitude. Good luck sleeping in, I retired 12 years ago and wake up every day at 5 AM. Bruce Benson
Delano Poppelreiter • October 12, 2021
We are curios what she is going to do now that she has left KCPQ? Thanks
LaRetta Elise Gehr • October 12, 2021
MJ you will be missed first thing I do is turn the tv to chanel 13 and there is your smiling face and your happy joking around you made weather fun. You will very much be missed. I wish you the very best on your next part of your adventure in life. Whatever that might be. Good luck
Tracey • October 8, 2021
I have been pouring through MJs CV and had no idea how blessed we were to have her doing our weather. What a cool history of accomplishments. Actress, writer, math tutor, meteorologist and a sensible shoe gal. Now I know why I enjoyed her so much. She was extraordinary. We are going to miss you, MJ. I wish Q13 weather had reruns so I could watch you forever!
Mary • October 8, 2021
Congratulations, MJ! I missed your goodbye tribute, but will miss your forecasts more! Always encouraged by your bright outlook on life during these difficult times.
Martin R. Howell • October 8, 2021
Here you go:
https://youtu.be/G7_H_jXSVW8
Emily Kane • October 8, 2021
MJ – you will be very much missed. I have watched your weather broadcasts for so many years that you have become part of my life. I wish you all the very best in your retirement. 🌺🌻❤️
🎈
Sandee Fasso • October 8, 2021
I enjoyed watching MJ almost daily, she was such a breath of fresh air, always bubbly and interesting to watch as she did the weather report; as well as posting pictures of animals and our beautiful PNW. I will miss her…….and wish her the best in her retirement……enjoy your life!
Martin R. Howell • October 7, 2021
Just watched the end of the morning news with it’s touching and beautifully done goodbye to MJ. That speaks well of FOX13.
Craig • October 10, 2021
Yes, not all stations have allowed their outgoing newscasters a well deserved farewell, King 5, for example :(. One day they’re just gone.
Mimi Castillo • October 7, 2021
Yes, like everyone here, my husband and I will miss you. I just found out today that you’re retiring. Initially, I thought Adam was the one leaving! You are the best; second to none. Retirement is great. Yes, “sleep in”, but that’s easier said than done. Good luck, and hope to see you around the greater neighborhood.
Paula • October 7, 2021
I have been watching you since I can remember. You are definitely going to be missed. But I do wish you the best. Thank you for doing an awesome job. Oh ya, GO HAWKS💙💚💙💚❤❤
Angela Parks • October 7, 2021
Best in the biz. I will miss your fun forecasting! Always cheerful and light! Also, so knowledgeable with our local crazy PNW weather patterns. You will be missed by us!!! Good luck on your endeavors and get some much deserved sleep!!
Sandy • October 7, 2021
You and Walter have been my weather idols for many years. Wish you the best in your retirement MJ. My dog knows your voice so waits for your Paws dog to be shown so she can bark at the TV. Fox 13 will never be the same with you both gone.
Rebecca Tillman • October 7, 2021
Congratulations, as someone that is semi retired it is rewarding in so many ways. Sleep is the major one.
Looking forward to hear and see what your future holds. Will miss my morning with MJ.😒
Sue Gildersleeve • October 7, 2021
The best to you MJ. I really enjoyed watching your weather report as I got ready for work. Loved your spunky personality. Enjoy this time!
donnie brooks • October 7, 2021
this is a heavy blow, I rank this news up there with the retirement of Edgar Martinez leaving the M’s….You will be missed. So what will you do with all of this free time on your hands
Tracey • October 6, 2021
Shoot! I am not a fan of change and you, Adam and Bill have been part of my routine for a really long time. It was my excuse to drink coffee for 5 hours. You are relatable in a city that has undergone lots of change since I moved here in 1997. Walter, Tim and now MJ. Q13 has some big shoes to fill. Good luck.
Mike • October 6, 2021
Congratulations, we watched everyday- watched you and the traffic so we knew what to expect. I retired last year – you will love it. We don’t care about the traffic anymore😎
Kim Erickson • October 6, 2021
Thank you for making our mornings fun while watching the news. You are always so uplifting. You will be missed
Enjoy retirement!! You deserve it
sherry bottoms • October 6, 2021
You will be missed!!!
Denny and Paulette • October 6, 2021
Oh drat! M J I doubt if you have any idea how many people hold you dear. The wife and I don’t know how we’re going to face mornings without you. By the way, retirement IS all it’s cracked up to be. Any thoughts of returning to acting? Then your groupies could see you again. Already miss you dear. No pressure Brian.
Tedd Hunter • October 6, 2021
Hope you make some camios now and than!
Loved your pet photos and I hope
Your replacement will continue these!
I will miss you!!
Karen Olson Billick • October 6, 2021
Have watched you your entire time on air in Seattle and will miss your positivity and pet walk and oh ya The Weather. Happy Retirement to you MJ.
Mel Eaton • October 6, 2021
Geeez, you’re my favorite in the morning. I will miss you. darn!
Joan Byron • October 6, 2021
Hi MJ. Congratulations on your retirement! You will be SO missed. I get up at 5AM to work out most weekday mornings and have for several years. Fox (Q) 13 News has been my workout companion that gets me through 2 hours of hard work. I have always found your weather reports and insights a pleasant distraction from whatever pain I was inflicting on myself. I looked forward to “Fancy Friday” and your tastefully attired guest, Jean Luc. You brought an infectious delight to what could have been a hum-drum segment of the news. I hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I have mine. Get lots of sleep and take care of yourself.
Janet Shannon • October 6, 2021
Honestly, my Husband and I watch Q13 morning news because of MJ McDermott. She is a real bright spot in our day. We will greatly miss seeing her. She is a funny, happy and positive person. We love her pet segments too! You don’t know us MJ, but we know you 😊 Enjoy your retirement!
The Shannon’s
Kelli & leonard • October 6, 2021
We are really going to miss your beautiful smile & great sense of humor. Your cheerfulness when our weather turns sour, makes it all better. Enjoy your family & retirement.🤗😊
Vidette • October 6, 2021
Loved your blazers and your weather reporting. Will really miss you. Enjoy your retirement!
Sherri in Tacoma • October 6, 2021
My heart is broken! You have been my favorite meteorologist for years and years! It’s too bad they couldn’t move you to a different time slot! You were the most knowledgeable and accurate weather person! You were fun and perky and beautiful! You will be so missed MJ. Wishing you all the best!