At the age of 60, Jill Tracey, the adored media personality best known for her work with HOT 105 FM Miami, passed away on Friday. At the time of her passing, Tracey, who had been a well-known voice on South Florida radio for over thirty years, was also a candidate for the District 2 position on the Hollywood city commission.
She previously promoted diversity in journalism while serving as president of the South Florida branch of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Tracey most recently worked with HOT105 for over ten years, serving in a variety of capacities. On weekdays, she co-hosted the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and acted as news director. She also aired her own show, “Hot Talk with Jill Tracey.
Tracey most recently worked with HOT105 for over ten years, serving in a variety of capacities. In addition to hosting her own show, “Hot Talk with Jill Tracey,” on Sunday nights at 11 p.m., she was the news director and co-host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show throughout the week.
Lasting impression on town
In June, she was unceremoniously let go from the radio station due to financial difficulties. Tracey was born in Detroit, but her career as a gossip columnist really took off in South Beach. She would eventually return to Miami after working at a number of other positions across the nation.
Over the course of her lengthy career, Tracey went on to make a lasting impression on the town she grew to love. She taught for Urgent, Inc., a community development organisation that uses media to empower young people to change their communities.
On their website, radio station administrators wrote, “We remember Jill Tracey, a remarkable voice in Miami radio and a beloved figure at HOT 105 FM, with heavy hearts.” “A genuine radio icon and community advocate has passed away in South Florida. All who had the honour of knowing Jill will miss her lively personality and contagious laughter very much.
A statement from the family of Jill Tracey
A statement from Tracey’s family was included in the statement that the website issued. The announcement said, “We regret to inform you of Jill Tracey’s passing on November 1, 2024.” “Jill was a passionate candidate for the District 2 Hollywood City Commission and a former Hot 105 personality.
Her lively personality and contagious laughter will be greatly missed by everyone who has the honour of knowing her.” Tracey is “a champion for justice on every block, consistently using her platform to educate the community and uplift solutions to the issue of our time,” according to Andrea Mercado, executive director of Florida Rising, a progressive statewide political organisation.
Tracey gave her time and money to a number of groups, including as the Cultural Heritage Alliance on Tourism, NFL Sisters in Service, YWCA of Miami, the Embrace Girls Foundation, and the NABJ chapter she previously led.
According to the page, Tracey had health issues before to her passing, but her “resilience and determination never wavered.” Plans for the funeral are still pending.