This is Kent Dana Biography.
Below you’ll learn about the late anchor’s career, spouse, family details, and his cause of death. Keep scrolling down to learn about Phoenix’s renowned reporter.
Kent Dana Cause Of Death
Celebrated Phoenix journalist Kent Dana died on 19 April 2022. Kent broke his hip in January and contracted an infection as a result of complications from earlier hip surgery, as previously reported. According to the Arizona Republic, he spent several weeks in the hospital before his condition worsened.
Several notable personalities started pouring tribute to Kent and his grieving family. 12 News anchor Mark Curtis said: “Our hearts are broken tonight with the news that longtime 12news anchor Kent Dana has passed away. Sending love and strength to his family.”
Kate Gallego, the mayor of Phoenix, said: “Generations of Phoenicians have been touched by local broadcast legend Kent Dana. Our hearts are with the Dana family. We cherish the fond memories over the years, and celebrate his legacy.”
Emmy-winning journalist Catherine Anaya said she was at a “loss for words” following Dana’s death.
Brahm Resnik, who covers politics and government for 12 News, said: “Kent was so kind to me when I was just starting in TV 20 years ago. He was AZ through and through. may his memory be a blessing to the entire Dana family.”
Kent Dana Spouse
When Kent Dana died, he was married to Janet Dana (@janet.dana.1), his second wife. The marriage between Kent and Dana lasted for over three decades. They were blessed with two children from their marriage and they stayed together until Kent’s death.
Before that, Ken married his first wife Carol Ann Huber Dana. She had four children with Kent.
Did Kent Dana Leave Behind A Son?
Yes, Kent Dana has left behind a son named Joe Dana (@joedanareports). Joe is one of the six children Kent had.
In fact, News12 reporter Joe confirmed his beloved father’s death. He told The Arizona Republic: “I think he always felt like local TV news was a very unique way to connect the community, to bring people together. It was more meaningful for him because it was his home.”
Joe and his three siblings Susan Allen Dana (@susan.d.allen.9), Micheal Dana (@michaeldana), and Kathryn Dana (@kathryn.dana) were born during his father’s marriage to their mother Carol Dana.
Joe’s two half-sisters Emily Dana (@emily.dana.5) and Kelly Dana (@kelly.dana1).
In 2019, Joe told AZCentral about his father during an interview, “The thing about him, he is a proud dad, and he’s just elated at whatever you do. He has six kids and we all have done completely different things. One’s a graphic designer, one’s in insurance, one’s an attorney, one’s a teacher. He’s just always so happy to see us enjoying our jobs and talking about accomplishments. He’s treated what I’ve done exactly the same as everyone else.”
Kent Dana Net Worth
Kent Dana should have a net worth above $3 million. His interest in journalism began when his father, Joe, became well-known for his weekly show Arizona Caravan on Channel 5. He grew up in a house on Central Avenue and Thomas Road as the third of seven children.
Kent Dana won the “Mr. Little Arizona” pageant at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix when he was five years old. 1947 was the year. Kent would make many more performances in front of Arizona audiences over the next 60 years.
Kent attended ASU for a year after graduating from West High School.
In 1972, Kent worked for KOOL Radio and Television. After that, he served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Uruguay. He went on to Brigham Young University to study broadcast journalism and work at a Provo radio station in the years after that.
Kent worked at gas stations after graduation and then became a weekend anchor for KOOL-TV. His biggest break came in 1979 when he became the male evening anchor for Channel 12 News. He stayed in that post from 1979 to 2004 before moving on to CBS 5 to anchor for five years beginning in 2005.
He spent 25 years at Valley station KPNX (12 News), where he rose to become the face of the channel’s evening news. Kent covered national political conventions, the impeachment of Evan Mecham, wildfires, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the O.J. Simpson trial during that time.
In 2005, he transferred to CBS 5, another Valley institution. Kent worked at the station for six years as a news anchor before retiring in 2011.
Kent was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame after winning multiple Emmy Awards. In 2018, he was honored with the Rocky Mountain Emmy Governor’s Award. Dana credited his success to Julie Frisoni Shumway, one of his co-anchors and veteran producer.
Shumway and Kent collaborated for many years, producing the two films Kent was most proud of during his career, Wednesday’s Child and Silent Witness.
Wednesday’s Child was created in collaboration with Aid to Adoption for Special Children. To aid adoption attempts, he profiled children in the foster care system and listened to their tales. Kent would joke around and laugh with the kids, thoroughly enjoying the exchanges.
Kent Dana Age At The Time Of His Death
At the time of his death, Kent Dana’s age was 80.
Related FAQs
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Where Was Kent Dana Born?
Kent Dana’s place of birth is Phoenix, Arizona.
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Was Kent Dana On Instagram?
Kent Dana didn’t have an Instagram, but he had a Facebook account (@kent.dana).
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What Political Party Did Kent Dana Support?
There is no information on the political party Kent Dana supported.
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Who Were Kent Dana’s Parents And Siblings?
Kent Dana was born to his parents Joe Robinson and Dora Dana.
His father was a renowned broadcaster in Arizona known for hosting Western Caravan” on Channel 5 for two years beginning in 1950. He was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1996.
Kent was one of the seven children born to his parents. His siblings were Carol Baugh (husband Glenn), Dr. Reed Dana (wife Cindy), Susan Foutz, Kathleen Nelson (husband Kent), Marilyn Coombs (husband Scott), and Deanna Roberts (husband Cleve).
