Veteran TV news presenter dies just months after tragic lung cancer diagnosis

Donna Gregory, a veteran journalist and news anchor in the United States, has died after a battle with lung cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year after experiencing several symptoms.

Her brother and her former colleague Julia Sims Milstead confirmed Gregory’s death on Wednesday.

People Magazine paid tribute to her on Instagram, saying: "Donna Gregory, a veteran North Carolina journalist, has died after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in April, WWAY 3 announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

"Gregory shared her cancer journey with viewers, publishing “a special message” on WWAY 3 in April, saying she learned of her cancer diagnosis after getting a biopsy following months of recurring symptoms."

Her former colleague Julia said: "Donna was a force. As a new reporter back in the day at WRAL, I was blown away by her. Nothing rattled her. Nothing. And as a person, boy, she loved her four children. Her children, her family, and her faith were so important. I always admire that about her.

“She fought cancer with all her might and we are all heartbroken today.”

Donna announced her cancer diagnosis in April and said that she would take a medical break.

She wrote in a Facebook post at the time: "When we think of the moments in life that take our breath away, they are usually bits of beauty: the birth of a baby, a stunning sunset, a perfectly prepared and presented meal.

“But then there are the knock-out punches you don’t see coming that can leave you struggling to catch your breath. An unexpected medical diagnosis does that.”

On her official Instagram page, her death was confirmed as a statement said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mom, Donna Hoerdemann.

"She passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, surrounded by her children: Sam, Callan, Avery, and Everett. She is also lovingly remembered by her cherished grandchildren, Hayes and Coley, and her daughter in law, Amanda, and son in law, Shane.

"Many of you know her as ‘Donna Gregory’. Her career was a testament to her passion for journalism. She was a trusted anchor at WWAY in Wilmington and WRAL in Raleigh, and she held esteemed roles with NBC News and MSNBC, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. We know her as ‘Mom’.

"To her children, she was so much more than the accomplishments listed in her career. She was the heart of every room she entered, always making everyone feel welcome and at ease."