Kaity Tong Retires After 45 Years: PIX11 Anchor’s Age, Husband, Son, Career, Net Worth, Final Newscast & Legacy (2026)
Kaity Tong, the legendary Chinese-American broadcast journalist who became one of the most trusted voices in New York City television news, officially retired in 2026 after a remarkable 45-year career. Known for her poise, professionalism, and groundbreaking presence as one of the first prominent Asian-American anchors in U.S. network news, Kaity signed off from PIX11 News at 6 PM in an emotional final broadcast that went viral across social media. Her retirement marked the end of an era in American local journalism and left a legacy that will inspire generations of journalists.
Quick Facts (2026 Verified)
| Full Name | Kaity Tong |
| Nick Name | Kaity |
| Profession | Broadcast Journalist, News Anchor (Retired 2026) |
| Birth Date | July 23, 1947 |
| Age | Invalid birthday format |
| Birth Place | Qingdao, China |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | PIX11 News Anchor, CBS News Anchor |
| Ethnicity | Chinese-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Bryn Mawr College |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Patrick Callahan |
| Children | Philip Long |
| Parents | Anita Tong, George Tong |
| Hobbies | Cooking, Traveling, Reading |
| Career Span | 1981 – 2026 |
| Years at PIX11 | 30+ years |
| Notable Awards | Emmy Award, Governor’s Award (2018) |
Similar Profession Trending Names: Ernie Anastos, Jack Cafferty, Jim Watkins, Margaret Brennan, Norah O’Donnell, Andrea Mitchell, Gayle King.
Early Life & Education
Kaity Tong was born on July 23, 1947, in Qingdao, China, to Anita Tong and George Tong. She later immigrated to the United States, where she pursued her education and built a historic career in journalism.
She attended Bryn Mawr College, one of the most prestigious women’s liberal arts colleges in the country, where she developed her passion for public affairs and storytelling. Her Chinese heritage and immigrant experience shaped her unique perspective, helping her become a relatable yet authoritative voice for millions of viewers.
Career Journey
Early Career at KPIX
Kaity Tong began her broadcasting career in 1981 at KPIX in San Francisco, where she quickly established herself as a rising talent in news anchoring.
CBS News Era
She later joined CBS News, becoming one of the first prominent Asian-American anchors on a major U.S. network. She covered national and international events and helped pave the way for diversity in American newsrooms.
CBS Highlights:
- Weekend anchor for CBS newscasts
- Covered major political and global events
- Became a national role model for minority journalists
WPIX 11 (PIX11) – New York City
Kaity’s most iconic chapter began at WPIX-TV (PIX11), where she served as the lead anchor for the 5 PM, 6 PM, and 10 PM newscasts for over three decades. She became one of the most beloved and recognizable anchors in the New York market.
Key PIX11 Highlights:
- Anchored coverage of 9/11 and its aftermath
- Covered Hurricane Sandy and major NYC weather events
- Reported on NYC terror attempts and political shifts
- Known as a “voice of New York”
Retirement in 2026
In 2026, Kaity Tong officially retired from broadcast journalism. Her final newscast aired on PIX11 News at 6 PM, drawing tributes from viewers, colleagues, and media outlets across the country. The broadcast was celebrated as a historic farewell, with emotional remarks, flowers, and a studio sign-off that went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
Kaity Tong’s Final Newscast (2026 Viral Moment)
Kaity Tong’s final broadcast became one of the most talked-about media moments of 2026. The PIX11 team presented her with flowers, a heartfelt tribute montage, and standing ovations from her colleagues. Kaity delivered her closing remarks with grace, thanking New Yorkers for trusting her with their stories for over 30 years.
Key Highlights from Her Final Broadcast:
- Emotional on-air tribute from co-workers and PIX11 management
- Viral clip of her final sign-off — “Thank you, New York”
- Thousands of fans shared memories on social media using #GoodbyeKaity
- PIX11 aired a special retrospective segment on her 45-year career
- Fellow anchors posted heartfelt tributes on Instagram and Facebook
The moment trended on multiple platforms, proving Kaity’s deep connection with her audience.
Colleagues’ Tributes & Reactions
Following her retirement, tributes poured in from across the journalism industry:
- PIX11 Newsroom: “Kaity is more than an anchor — she’s family. Her legacy will live on in every story we tell.”
- Ernie Anastos: Paid tribute to Kaity as a trailblazer and friend.
- Jack Cafferty: Called her “one of the finest journalists I ever worked with.”
- New York Media Outlets: Published retrospectives celebrating her contributions to local news.
- Asian-American Journalists Association (AAJA): Honored her as a pioneer who opened doors for generations.
Her final days on air became a celebration of her career, influence, and impact on journalism.
Legacy and Impact
Kaity Tong’s legacy extends far beyond her on-air presence:
- Pioneering Asian-American Voice: She broke racial and gender barriers in American broadcasting.
- Mentorship: She mentored dozens of young journalists throughout her career.
- Community Advocacy: Supported Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, cancer awareness, and Asian-American causes.
- Cancer Survivor: Publicly shared her lung cancer diagnosis and recovery, inspiring many.
- Cultural Icon: Represented the immigrant success story in American media.
Her influence will be felt in newsrooms for decades to come.
Personal Life
Kaity Tong is married to Patrick Callahan. She is a proud mother to her son, Philip Long.
Kaity was diagnosed with lung cancer, but she publicly shared that she is now cancer-free, without needing chemotherapy or radiation.
Family Overview:
- Spouse: Patrick Callahan
- Son: Philip Long
- Parents: Anita Tong & George Tong
Controversies
Kaity Tong has maintained a clean, dignified public image throughout her career. There are no major controversies or scandals linked to her name. She is widely respected for her ethics and professionalism.
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Award Winner – News Anchoring
- Governor’s Award Recipient (2018)
- Recognition from the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
- Multiple community honors and lifetime achievement tributes
- Featured in exhibits celebrating Asian-American pioneers
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Distinctive Features | Iconic sign-off, warm presence |
Quotes
- “New York gave me everything — and I gave New York my heart.”
- “Good journalism means telling the truth, even when it’s hard.”
- “Thank you for trusting me with your stories for all these years.” (Final on-air remark, 2026)
Favorites
- City: New York City
- Food: Chinese and Italian cuisine
- Travel Spot: Europe
- Book Genre: Political Non-Fiction
- Hobbies: Cooking, Reading, Volunteering
Earnings & Net Worth (2026)
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Final Salary at PIX11 | $300,000 – $500,000/year |
| Estimated Net Worth | $3 million – $6 million |
| Income Sources | News anchoring, endorsements, public speaking |
Interesting Facts
- Kaity Tong began her career in 1981 at KPIX in San Francisco.
- She is one of the first prominent Chinese-American anchors in U.S. network news.
- She graduated from Bryn Mawr College.
- She retired in 2026 after 45 years in broadcasting.
- She is a cancer survivor (lung cancer, now cancer-free).
- Her final newscast became a viral moment across social media.
Did You Know?
- Kaity Tong’s parents were Anita Tong and George Tong.
- She was honored with a Governor’s Award in 2018.
- She worked alongside legendary anchors including Ernie Anastos and Jack Cafferty.
- Her son, Philip Long, is part of her proud personal legacy.
- She is celebrated as a role model for Asian-American journalists.
Social Media Links
- Facebook: Kaity Tong (pixKAITYTONG)
- Instagram: @kaitytong
- Twitter/X: @kaitytong
- LinkedIn: Kaity Tong
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Kaity Tong still working in 2026? No. Kaity Tong officially retired from broadcast news in 2026 after her final newscast on PIX11 News at 6 PM.
2. Who is Kaity Tong’s husband? Kaity Tong is married to Patrick Callahan.
3. Does Kaity Tong have children? Yes, she has a son named Philip Long.
4. What is Kaity Tong’s net worth? Her estimated net worth is between $3 million and $6 million as of 2026.
5. Where was Kaity Tong born? She was born in Qingdao, China, in 1947.
6. What made Kaity Tong’s final newscast so memorable? Her emotional farewell, viral sign-off, and heartfelt tributes made her final 2026 broadcast a defining moment in New York television history.
Conclusion
Kaity Tong’s retirement in 2026 closes the chapter on one of the most extraordinary careers in American broadcast journalism. Over 45 years, she delivered the news with integrity, grace, and a deep love for New York and its people. As a pioneer for Asian-Americans, a cancer survivor, and a mentor to countless journalists, her legacy will continue to shape the future of news. If you enjoyed this biography, please share it with fellow fans who grew up watching Kaity Tong deliver the news.
