A popular Boston morning show host and wife of a former New York Rangers goaltender abruptly quit her long-time gig without explanation — leaving viewers scratching their heads.
Emmy Award winner Kate Merrill, who spent more than 20 years at CBS affiliate WBZ-TV, hasn’t been on the air for several weeks, according to multiple reports.
Merrill, who’s married to Mike Dunham, has not commented on her departure.
Dunham, who also played for the Islanders and Devils during his 20-year NHL career, currently serves as the goalie development coach for the Boston Bruins.
“Kate has decided to move on from WBZ,” the television station told The Boston Globe. “Thanks for the inquiry. We value our loyal viewers.”
There was no reason given for her departure.
The Post has sought comment from Merrill and WBZ-TV.
Merrill’s began her career at WBZ-TV in 2004 and joined its morning show in 2017.
Before being hired by WBZ-TV, she spent a year as a reporter for New York’s NBC affiliate WNBC-TV.
A native of Carlisle, Mass., Merrill has won several Emmys for her reporting at WBZ-TV.
She has covered high-profile Boston stories such as the 2013 bombings at the Boston Marathon as well as the aftermath of the Red Sox and Patriots winning several World Series and Super Bowl championships, respectively.
In March, Merrill celebrated 20 years at WBZ-TV.
Her fans posted messages of support for Merrill on her public Facebook page, which boasts 12,000 followers.
“I’m hoping you left on your own accord and not CBS going again in a new direction yet again!” one person wrote.
“I think we need to switch networks! I do hope you keep us posted on if you go anywhere else or what you decide to do!”
“If Kate is gone, then I’m officially done with WBZ,” another fan wrote. “A year ago WBZ had the BEST morning team and now … goodbye WBZ.”
The station has been hit with several high-profile departures in recent weeks and months.
Liam Martin wrote an essay for Boston Magazine in March saying that he had to leave his “dream job” as an anchor at WBZ-TV due to struggles with mental health, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression.
In September, Zack Green, a meteorologist at the station, left the morning show without explanation.
He then posted on social media that management informed him “the show would be moving in a new direction.”
