In the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, one news anchor stands out not just for her professional excellence but for her remarkable human spirit. Tracy McCool has become synonymous with resilience, authenticity, and unwavering strength. Her journey from a hopeful intern to Cleveland’s most trusted journalist spans decades of dedication. But it’s her personal battles—including her husband’s devastating cancer battle and her role as a widow and single mother—that truly define her legacy.
How old is Tracy McCool? She’s 59, yet her energy and commitment haven’t diminished. Instead, they’ve grown stronger through adversity. This American journalist continues inspiring thousands while anchoring the news that shapes her community’s understanding of the world.
Tracy McCool Biography
Tracy McCool was born on April 6, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. She’s spent nearly three decades shaping broadcast journalism in her hometown. Her broadcasting career began humbly but blossomed into something extraordinary. As an Aries, she embodies determination and courage—traits that would prove essential during life’s toughest moments.
Here’s a snapshot of her life:
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Tracy McCool |
| Birthday | April 6, 1966 |
| Tracy McCool age | 59 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Education | Copley High School; Kent State University |
| Degree | Communication and journalism |
| Profession | News anchor, journalist, columnist |
| Network | Fox 8 News |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac | Aries |
| Status | Widow |
| Late Husband | John Cook |
| Children | Cassidy and Carter |
| Siblings | Kelly and Scott |
| Debut | September 6, 1994 |
Who is Tracy McCool?
Tracy McCool isn’t just another face reading teleprompters. She’s a television reporter who connects with viewers on a deeply human level. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she understands the city’s heartbeat. Her presence on Fox 8 News has become as familiar as morning coffee for thousands of households.
Beyond the screen, she’s navigated unimaginable personal struggles. Losing her husband John Cook to Stage IV Colon Cancer in 2023 transformed her into an advocate for cancer awareness. She didn’t hide her pain. Instead, she shared it publicly, turning tragedy into purpose.
As an Aries, Tracy McCool displays the fierce determination her zodiac suggests. She’s proven that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength. Her authenticity resonates because she’s lived through what many fear most: losing a partner while raising two teenagers and maintaining a demanding career.
Tracy McCool Age
Tracy McCool how old is she exactly? Born on April 6, 1966, Tracy McCool age stands at 59 years old as of 2025. She’s been gracing Cleveland’s television screens for over 30 years. That longevity speaks volumes about her talent and the trust she’s built with viewers.
Age hasn’t slowed her down. If anything, her experiences have deepened her ability to connect with stories and people. She brings wisdom earned through decades of reporting and personal trials that would break lesser spirits.
Tracy McCool Height and Physical Attributes
Tracy McCool stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall. Her blonde hair and professional demeanor make her instantly recognizable. She maintains a polished appearance that suits her role as a trusted news anchor without seeming unapproachable.
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’6″ (approximately 1.67 meters) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Tattoos | None |
| Build | Average |
Her on-screen presence combines warmth with authority. Viewers don’t just watch her—they trust her. That trust didn’t come from appearance alone but from years of consistent, honest reporting.
Tracy McCool Education
Education laid the foundation for Tracy McCool’s remarkable television career. She started at Copley High School, where she graduated with her diploma. Even then, she knew storytelling was her calling.
Next came Kent State University, where she pursued a degree in communication and journalism. The four-year program equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. She graduated in the late 1990s, armed with the tools needed to thrive in competitive broadcast journalism.
Kent State University isn’t just any school—it’s known for producing exceptional journalists. Tracy McCool proved worthy of that reputation. Her education taught her not just how to report news but how to tell stories that matter.
Tracy McCool Career
Tracy McCool’s professional journey didn’t begin with glamorous on-camera work. She started behind the scenes at Fox 8 News as an intern in 1994. Most people would’ve gotten discouraged by the unglamorous entry-level work. Not her. She saw it as a learning opportunity.
Her talent couldn’t stay hidden for long. Producers noticed her dedication, her voice, and her natural ability to connect with stories. Soon, she transitioned from production assistant to reporter roles at various stations. Each position added layers to her skill set.
She covered everything from routine community events to breaking news that demanded quick thinking and emotional intelligence. Her ability to handle both made her invaluable.
First on-Air Experience
Tracy McCool’s first on-air experience came through stations in Columbus and Youngstown. These smaller markets provided the perfect training ground. She learned to think on her feet, conduct interviews, and deliver news with confidence.
Those early roles might’ve seemed minor, but they shaped her unique broadcasting voice. She developed the calm, reassuring tone that would later become her signature at Fox 8 News. Every general reporter position taught her something new about storytelling.
Chronological Order of T. McCool Professional Journey
Here’s how Tracy McCool’s career unfolded:
| Year | Organization | Role |
| 1994 | Fox 8 News | Intern |
| 1996-1997 | WKBN-TV | Production Assistant |
| 1997-1998 | WICU-TV | Reporter |
| 1998-2000 | WTOV-TV | Reporter |
| 2000-Present | Fox 8 News | General reporter / Lead Anchor |
This timeline shows steady progression. She didn’t skip steps or take shortcuts. Instead, she earned every promotion through consistent excellence.
Tracy Rise at Fox 8 News
Returning to Fox 8 News in 2000 marked a turning point. She’d left as an intern and returned as a seasoned television reporter ready for prime time. The station recognized her growth and gave her opportunities to shine.
She became a fixture on the night news broadcasts at 5 PM, 6 PM, and 10 PM. These aren’t easy time slots—they demand sharp reporting and the ability to handle whatever stories break. Tracy McCool excelled at both.
Her calm demeanor during crisis reporting and her warmth during human interest stories made her indispensable. Viewers tuned in specifically to watch her. She’d become more than a reporter—she was part of Cleveland’s family life.
Tracy McCool Family
Tracy McCool keeps her family life relatively private, which is understandable given her public role. What we do know is she has two siblings: a sister named Kelly and a brother named Scott. They grew up together in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, forming bonds that remain strong.
Her parents haven’t been publicly identified, respecting their privacy. However, it’s clear they raised children with strong values and work ethic. Tracy McCool’s character reflects solid family foundations.
Tracy McCool Relationships
Tracy McCool’s love story began when mutual friends introduced her to John Cook. The connection was immediate, though they took their time building a relationship. They dated for several years, getting to know each other deeply before making lifelong commitments.
John Cook wasn’t in the spotlight like his wife, but he provided unwavering support throughout her career. Their relationship became the bedrock upon which she built everything else. He understood the demands of her news channel work and never resented the irregular hours.
Tracy McCool Marriage
Somewhere around 2005, Tracy McCool and John Cook exchanged vows. The exact date remains private—a choice they made to keep some aspects of their relationship sacred. Their marriage represented partnership in its truest form.
They built a home filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. John Cook stood beside Tracy McCool as she navigated career milestones and late-night breaking news assignments. He was her safe harbor in the storm of broadcast journalism’s chaos.
Their union produced two beautiful children and countless memories. Nobody could’ve predicted the tragedy that would later test their bond to its absolute limits.
Tracy McCool Children
Tracy McCool and John Cook welcomed their daughter Cassidy on August 28, 2006. She brought joy and new purpose to their lives. Balancing a demanding broadcasting career with motherhood wasn’t easy, but Tracy McCool managed both with grace.
Their son Carter arrived on October 24, 2007. Now they had two young children requiring attention, love, and guidance. Tracy McCool didn’t let her professional ambitions overshadow her parental responsibilities. She found ways to be present for both her viewers and her kids.
Raising Cassidy and Carter through their teenage years while their father battled cancer tested the family beyond measure. Yet Tracy McCool provided stability even as her world crumbled. She showed her children what real strength looks like.
Tracy McCool Husband Cancer
The year 2018 brought devastating news. John Cook was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. The prognosis was grim. Stage IV means the cancer had spread beyond the colon to other organs. Survival rates drop dramatically at this stage.
Tracy McCool faced an impossible situation. She had two teenagers depending on her, a demanding career as a news anchor, and now a husband fighting for his life. Most people would’ve collapsed under that weight. She didn’t.
Instead, she made a courageous decision. During a news channel segment, she publicly shared her husband’s diagnosis. The vulnerability of that moment resonated across Cleveland, Ohio. Suddenly, she wasn’t just their trusted journalist—she was someone walking through the same nightmare many viewers had faced or feared.
For five years, John Cook fought. Tracy McCool juggled hospital visits, treatments, caring for teenagers, and her responsibilities at Fox 8 News. She showed up for work, delivered the news professionally, then went home to face private battles.
In 2023, John Cook lost his fight. Tracy McCool became a widow at 57. The tributes poured in—not just for John Cook but for the inspiration and empowerment his wife had provided throughout their ordeal.
She didn’t let grief silence her. Instead, she channeled it into cancer awareness advocacy. She used her platform to educate viewers about colon cancer, the importance of screenings, and the resources available to families facing similar struggles.
Her personal struggles became teaching moments. She transformed private pain into public good, helping countless others navigate their own cancer battles with more knowledge and less isolation.
Tracy McCool Social Media
Tracy McCool maintains an active social media presence that extends her connection with viewers beyond traditional broadcasts. She’s most active on Facebook, where over 84,000 followers engage with her posts about work, family life, and advocacy efforts.
| Platform | Followers | Username |
| 84,000 | @TracyMcCool | |
| 26,500 | @tracymccool | |
| 6,884 | @TracyMcCool |
Her posts blend professional updates with personal reflections. She shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Fox 8 News and heartfelt messages about loss, healing, and moving forward. Followers appreciate her authenticity—she never pretends everything is perfect.
Through social media, Tracy McCool has built a community of support. People share their own stories, knowing she’ll read them with genuine compassion. She’s proven that news anchors can be both professional and profoundly human.
Tracy McCool Net Worth
After three decades in broadcast journalism, Tracy McCool net worth is estimated between $100,000 and $500,000. While not astronomical by celebrity standards, it reflects a stable, successful television career built on consistency rather than flash.
Her Tracy McCool salary at Fox 8 News reportedly ranges from $80,000 to $100,000 annually. Local news anchor positions typically pay less than national network roles, but they offer something money can’t buy—deep community connections and the ability to make daily impact in your hometown.
| Financial Metric | Estimate |
| Tracy McCool net worth | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Annual salary | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Primary Income | Fox 8 News anchor position |
| Other Income | Speaking engagements, advocacy work |
Tracy McCool hasn’t chased the highest paycheck. She’s chosen meaningful work in the community she loves. That decision has enriched her life in ways that transcend net worth and salary figures.
Conclusion
Tracy McCool age is just a number—59 years that tell a story of resilience, dedication, and transformation. From her beginnings at Copley High School to her current role anchoring Fox 8 News, she’s built a legacy that extends far beyond broadcast journalism. Her response to becoming a widow and single mother while fighting for cancer awareness has inspired countless Cleveland residents. Tracy McCool proves that authentic storytelling includes sharing your own story, even when it’s painful. She remains Cleveland’s trusted voice, now more powerful because it speaks from experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Tracy McCool currently?
Tracy McCool age is 59 years old as of 2025. She was born on April 6, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite nearly six decades of life experiences, she remains energetic and committed to journalism.
What is Tracy McCool’s current salary at Fox 8 News?
Tracy McCool salary ranges between $80,000 and $100,000 annually at Fox 8 News. This reflects competitive compensation for experienced local news anchors in major markets like Cleveland, rewarding her three decades of broadcast excellence.
Is Tracy McCool still working at Fox 8 News?
Yes, Tracy McCool continues working at Fox 8 News as a lead anchor. She’s been with the station since returning in 2000 and shows no signs of retirement. Her commitment to Cleveland journalism remains unwavering.
What happened to Tracy McCool’s husband John Cook?
John Cook died in 2023 after a five-year battle with Stage IV Colon Cancer diagnosed in 2018. His death left Tracy McCool a widow raising two children alone while continuing her demanding broadcasting career.
What is Tracy McCool’s net worth?
Tracy McCool net worth is estimated between $100,000 and $500,000. This reflects her successful but community-focused career at Fox 8 News rather than pursuing higher-paying national network positions outside Cleveland, Ohio.
