Days after a car accident on SW Williston Road took the life of I Am Country 106.9 FM host Heather Jennings, tributes of love and support have poured in for the beloved radio veteran.
“Heather will be truly missed,” said Vinny Foo, program manager for MARC Radio in Gainesville. “Her infectious personality is what drew me towards her. Seeing the overwhelmed reaction lets me know a lot of the community felt the same way.”
Around 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jennings, 57, was on her way to work from her home in Crystal River when a 30-year-old Gainesville woman crossed into her lane and hit her vehicle head-on, killing both drivers. She had started as a morning show host at WPLL the first week of November.
Jennings is survived by her two adult daughters, Dixie and Jacy Jennings. Both recorded tributes to their mom that are airing on I Am Country each hour through Sunday, Dec. 8.
“My mother had such a strong passion for the radio, she loved riding her Harley [motorcycle], but most of all she loves her family unconditionally. My mother is my rock,” Dixie Jennings said in her tribute. “I believe her message to myself and to the world is to be you unapologetically.”
Jacy Jennings also highlighted her mother’s love for radio and family.
“If she had a message for the world, I think that it would be to be difficult to forget and to be kind,” she said in her radio tribute. “I find comfort knowing she will live forever for the radio, and she will never be forgotten.”
On a GoFundMe page set up to help cover funeral expenses, Dixie said being a radio DJ “was in her blood.”
“I know a lot of people lost a companion, a friend, a daily routine, as I lost a friend,” Foo said. “But I did gain two friends with her daughters, Dixie and Jacy, who will continue to uphold Heather’s legacy.”
Comments are pouring in through social media and in response to stories:
“She touched many lives everyday. May our Creator grant comfort to her family & friends.” – Chuck Snyder
“She was a good friend – even to me up here in Cleveland, Ohio. I am stunned and broken hearted. Deepest condolences to you, her radio family. She will be missed and never forgotten.” – Thom Fisher
“This is sad news for Heather’s family, co-workers and new listeners to WPLL. I do the afternoon show at I Am Country radio and am shocked to hear this news. It shows the fragile nature of life. I am very sorry.” – Jim West
“I didn’t know her and only on occasion listened to the show as I’m not a C&W fan, but she was obviously very loved one I can tell. Saying some prayers for her. R.I.P. Ms. Heather. – Bill S.
“So sad. She is and was the best…she will never be forgotten. You will always be in my heart.” – Mary Nash
“Heather will be missed by so many family, friends and colleagues as well as many listeners…. Heaven just got itself the best DJ ever. Heather was more than just a host…she was country from her head to the very boots she wore.” – Eddie Francis Slivak
“The irony of her dying on Giving Tuesday. She was the most giving person I knew. Miss her already.” – Terri Peters
“Sleep well, my friend. I know you’re Dancing in The Sky. We will forever miss you.” – Debbie Slivak-Streep
“She was an amazing person. It’s very tuff not hearing her voice on radio or in person again! I know she’s still doing her thing in heaven just as strong as the airwaves could take her here! All the love to a great lady I knew! She will be missed!” – Bill Carringer
“RIP Heather Jennings. You were always the real national treasure. My condolences to her family.” – Keith Conklin
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and those at the station.” – Winsupply of Gainesville
The fatal accident was reported in numerous media outlets nationwide, including Insideradio in Nashville, Tennessee, WCJB in Gainesville, Radioink in Boca Raton, RadioInsight in Columbus, Ohio, and Ramp247 in Valencia, California, and 352today in Ocala.
I Am Country 106.9 is owned and operated by MARC Media Group, which also owns radio stations coast to coast in Florida and in Texas. It also owns Mainstreet Daily News, MARC Digital Solutions, and an outdoor advertising company. The radio stations in the Gainesville market include WXJZ 100.9 The Beach, WTMG 101.3 Magic, WDVH 94.1 R&B and WTMN 103.5 The Shepherd.