I just don’t know where to begin.
My dear friend Francene has passed away at the age of 43.
I can’t breathe. I just. Dunno. She’s the one person I’ve been able to count on for three years. I love her dearly.
May she rest in peace.
I’ll miss you, doll.
EDIT: If you loved Francene, please stop by any BB&T branch to make a donation to support aneurysm research. The Francene Fund.
From Congressman John Yarmuth:
“Francene brought so much passion and joy to every aspect of her life and was genuinely driven by compassion for those around her. She woke up every morning excited to use her position to help make people’s lives better. And that’s exactly what she did– entertaining and informing us, always giving back, personally helping people find jobs, and so much more. The more time I spent with her, the more I respected her intellect and admired her generosity. I am devastated for the loss to this community and heartbroken for the loss of my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her mother and all of her friends.”
From Attorney General Jack Conway:
“This is such a terrible tragedy. I thought the world of Francene and she was just far too young to leave us. She contributed greatly to the public discourse in Kentucky. Her listeners were her cause and I loved that passion. It was never a nine-to-twelve radio job to her. For example, just a few weeks ago, she and I both attended a play at Fern Creek High School on a Friday night to spotlight the issue of cybersafety. She carried her commitment with her at all times.
Francene never minced words and frankly, she made me a better public servant. I didn’t just answer questions on her show, she always followed-up to make certain we were taking action. When I was on her show talking about the issues, I knew she and her listeners were holding me accountable. I always found her well researched and she will be missed.”
From Metro Councilman Jim King:
“I am shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Francence Cucinello. Best known as simply “Francene”, she provided radio listeners in the region a provocative, interesting, dialogue on the issues of the day. The thoughts and prayers of our family and staff go out to the family and friends of Francene.”
From Chris Thieneman:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear and good friend Francene Cucinello. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this time of surprising loss. Francene touched the hearts and minds of so many in this community, and I hope each of each will celebrate her life and dedication to Louisville. She spent her life bettering those around her, and her passion for life will be greatly missed. Many knew her as a radio personality, but I am grateful that I knew her as my friend.”
From Councilwoman Madonna Flood:
“While we may have had differing opinions on political issues, the fact remains that when it came to helping the community, especially taking care of our our soldiers and service women with “Doing our Part from the Heart,” there was no political party or opinion as far as Francene was concerned. She had a caring spirit when it came to helping those in need.”
From Governor Steve Beshear:
“I am deeply saddened to learn that one of Kentucky’s most beloved radio personalities, Francene Cucinello, passed away unexpectedly today. I considered her a friend, despite her tough questions, and I enjoyed our frequent interviews on her show. People felt like they knew Francene because she was so open and honest, and her death is a terrible blow to the community. She was savvy, warm, whip-smart and compassionate. She will be deeply missed by all.”
From U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell:
“I was saddened to hear about the passing of Francene Cucinello. Francene’s open debate on a wide-range of political and social issues kept Louisville talking, and that’s one of the reasons her show was so popular. Elaine and I send our condolences to her family and friends and to the entire WHAS family.”
From Mayor Jerry Abramson:
“While we didn’t always agree on the issues, Francene had a special way of spurring people to talk about subjects important to our community and our state.”
From Secretary of State Trey Grayson:
“Nancy and I are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Francene Cucinello, and our thoughts are prayers are with her family, friends and her co-workers at WHAS. Francene’s passing is a huge loss for the Louisville community and all of Kentucky. Her many talents and her skill at sparking important dialogue about politics and current events in Kentucky will be greatly missed.”
UPDATE @ 10:30 P.M. – Here’s a screenshot from Google Trends:
One of the top searches in the United States. Infectious. Just like she’d like it. A welcomed bright spot on this emotional evening.
27 responses so far ↓
1 bigdaddy // Jan 15, 2010 at 3:58 pm
No way!!!!! It is not on whas.com…OMG I loved her
2 daniel // Jan 15, 2010 at 4:20 pm
it’s shocking.
3 James R. // Jan 15, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Its been a long time since I have been this shocked. She was a good woman.
RIP
4 john // Jan 15, 2010 at 4:32 pm
she was young, condolence to her family
5 jake // Jan 15, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I’m deeply sorry to anyone who thinks it was inappropriate for me to post this news. I just didn’t know what else to do. It’s not often I get personal. But Francene is just…
I can’t even deal. I’ll be back sometime next week.
I’m sorry.
6 marie // Jan 15, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Terrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and many friends.
7 ArtIsAir // Jan 15, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Jake, It is absolutely appropriate for you to post this. The whole community is shocked. Your sincerity is poignant. I am sorry for your loss.
8 daniel // Jan 15, 2010 at 4:56 pm
it’s absolutely appropriate.
9 eric schansberg // Jan 15, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I only met her twice but really enjoyed being with her on the radio. She was professional, a good questioner, and a gentle but tenacious soul.
May those who love her sense God’s presence as they celebrate her life and grieve their loss…
10 bestmid // Jan 15, 2010 at 5:53 pm
So sorry for you, Jake. I know you were buds.
11 Novena // Jan 15, 2010 at 7:34 pm
“To Jake & the Community”
There are no suitable words for this. Perhaps Longfellow comes closest: She left the “footprints of an angel.”
12 Andrew // Jan 15, 2010 at 11:58 pm
When I heard it on the late news tonight it felt like someone hit me in the chest with a sledge hammer. I called her show and actually got on the air two or three times. Everyone keeps saying that she had a heart for the community. That just barely begins to scratch the surface. “Mom” Cucinello, if you ever happen to read this, please know that you have my utmost admiration because only a wonderful parent could have raised such a wonderful person.
13 SandyW // Jan 16, 2010 at 12:39 am
Simply too young die.
My deepest consolences to those she touched.
14 SandyW // Jan 16, 2010 at 12:39 am
condolences even
15 Yellow Dog // Jan 16, 2010 at 8:31 am
Perfectly appropriate expression of shock, passion and grief.
Classy. Francene would love it.
16 Mike Bailey // Jan 16, 2010 at 8:31 am
Francene was really cool when Michael Kelley and I went in for the candidate interview with her for KY-03 in 2008. She had him back for health care reform discussion in 2009. She really cares about the issues. Super smart and lots of fun. We did not draw the same conclusions about the issues, but she was always open to debate and very friendly. I liked her. I was just reading her latest Leo column during lunch at Spinelli’s yesterday. Sends a chill up my spine to know she was leaving this world as I was reading her words. The last paragraph in the July 2008 Leo profile of Francene is relevant today:
‘“One of my worst traits is that I don’t have a lot of patience,” she said. “Part of that is because I don’t know when everything ends. And I don’t want it to end before I get everything I want to do accomplished.
“What I realized is that I’m not afraid to die. I’m afraid to be dying and realize I haven’t done everything I wanted to do. That’s the only thing that really scares me.” ‘
17 bestmid // Jan 16, 2010 at 9:21 am
So what can we do to be sure that spirit lives on? How can we best rally around this huge reaction to such a deep loss?
18 jaded dude // Jan 16, 2010 at 9:48 am
Focusing political discourse on solving Kentucky’s problems instead of dwelling on party to party gamesmanship would be an excellent way to honor Francene’s memory.
19 Lisa Bradbury // Jan 16, 2010 at 10:26 am
I can’t quit crying today. I feel like I’ve lost my best friend..I loved her, her mother and Monty..they seemed like a part of my life too..I wish WHAS had let the listeners know of her illness. We could have all been praying for her..RIP Francene..
20 Dave // Jan 16, 2010 at 12:33 pm
With the passing of Francene I believe we’ve lost one of the best talk show hosts in all of radio. To this day I remember where I was driving when I first heard her on WHAS-AM — I about drove onto the sidewalk as I was just awe-struck by her style! She was always thoughtful, passionate and well prepared to take on the topics of the day. Now if management at WHAS-AM would replace her with Joe Elliott (whom they should never had cut back to part-time in the first place) they might (almost) earn my respect.
21 Davi // Jan 16, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Francene, her concern, her level head got me and lots of other listeners through the ice storm last Winter. With no power, no news, no heat, no anything except the dark,trees crashing all around, freezing cold, Francene provided the only live link to the “outside world” which I could find on my little battery operated radio. I never knew her but she became my friend during that episode; she took calls, patched together emergency information, advice, news, direction, early on when it seemed no one else was aware of the seriousness of the ongoing disaster here. This contribution alone was a huge service to the community. That she was so strong, so in- charge, and so full of life makes it all the harder to imagine her sudden illness…
Condolences to all who loved her.
22 kilowat // Jan 16, 2010 at 2:32 pm
I was at the at the Rep. John Yarmuth meeting in louisville took a few pictures if anyone would like to save one,your welcome to the pic’s
http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t283/kilowat1946/Rep%20%20John%20Yarmuth%20rally%20in%20Louisville/?start=40
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t283/kilowat1946/Rep%20%20John%20Yarmuth%20rally%20in%20Louisville/IMG_7524.jpg
23 kycuse // Jan 17, 2010 at 9:45 am
Francene was to Louisville what Russert was to the nation…She will be missed… may she rest in Heaven.
24 MarshallDem // Jan 17, 2010 at 12:05 pm
This is a great loss for ky. She was fair yet aggressive. Nice yet not affraid to ask the hard questions.
God bless her, her family and friends.
Jake ur pain is felt by many. Take care
25 Rose // Jan 18, 2010 at 8:24 am
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jake. How terribly sad to lose such a young woman. My thoughts and prayers are with all her friends and family.
26 Scott // Jan 18, 2010 at 7:51 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Fran and I were friends in High School. She was a witty and charming person, and the world lost something with her untimely demise. I wish I had kept in touch with her. I wish she was still alive.
27 William // May 6, 2010 at 1:44 am
If it weren’t for the audio streaming that WHAS had provided I never would have even heard of Francene. I remember the first time I heard that voice and how I grew to love listening to her show. She repiled to all of my emails and she even read a few of them on the air. I introduced my wife to her show and we were both shocked to learn of her passing. Changes in my job prevented me from listening to her show and that is the reason why I am now responding to her passing so late. I heard Terry comment on her in the past tense and when I emailed him he replied with the terrible news. I felt as if I was kicked in the stomach. The last time I grieved over someone that I really didn’t know was princess Diana. I will really miss you Francene and I look forward to the day when I can hear that lovely voice in my ears again when my day comes to join you in heaven.
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