Press releases

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La) gave a speech honoring Diane Deaton, a weather forecaster in Baton Rouge, who announced she will retire after 37 years on the job.

Ms. Deaton has worked for WAFB-TV, serving on both 9News This Morning and on Early Edition. She is also widely known for her humanitarian work in Baton Rouge, having built homes for Habitat for Humanity, tutored first and second-graders, and visited young patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

“I’m glad to hear that Diane will not be leaving our great state—I want to emphasize that—she is going to retire in Louisiana. And I hope she enjoys every moment, every single moment, she gets to sleep in after December 18. No one can argue, no fair-minded person can argue, that she hasn’t earned a rest, even though her familiar weather casts will be sorely missed in a state that takes more than our fair share of beatings from Mother Nature,” said Kennedy.

“I thank you for the chance to honor Diane Deaton for all of her hard work on behalf of everyone who relies on WAFB-TV for news, and for everyone in Louisiana and Baton Rouge whom her volunteer work has touched—and that numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Diane, may the years ahead bring as much joy to you as you have brought to our state and our community. God bless you,” concluded Kennedy.

Video of the speech is available here.