Local & Community
NBC Palm Springs Morning Anchor Mary Strong Signs Off After Emotional Farewell
NBC Palm Springs morning anchor Mary Strong signed off today in an emotional on-air farewell surrounded by colleagues, friends, and community members.
During her final broadcast as morning anchor, coworkers surprised Strong with a tribute package highlighting her time at the station, including her reporting on local community issues, animal welfare advocacy, and coverage across the Coachella Valley.
Her work as a reporter will continue through next week.
Following the move, Thalia Hayden will be returning as full-time morning anchor with Jerry Steffen.
Station staff and guests shared messages of appreciation, noting her impact both in the newsroom and in the community, particularly her support for local animal shelters and nonprofit organizations.
Guests featured Valerie Kattz from Animal Samaritans, Kris Gunterson from CV Sync, Dan Rossi from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and attorney Dan Bolton with Walter Clark Legal Group.
Strong reflected on her time at NBC Palm Springs, describing her experience as one of the most meaningful periods of her career and thanking viewers for welcoming her into their homes each morning.
Strong said she is not leaving the area and looks forward to staying connected to the community outside of the newsroom.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 26, 2026
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