When you’ve spent nearly three decades in the same living rooms every evening, people start to feel like they know you. For Kansas City viewers, Carolyn Long wasn't just a face on KCTV5; she was a nightly fixture of reliability. So, when she announced her retirement in 2025, the collective "why" from the community was loud. It turns out, the answer wasn't about burnout or a lack of love for the job. It was about a man named Dave.
The Man Behind the Scenes: Who is Dave Long?
If you’re looking for a flashy media personality, you won't find it here. Dave Long, Carolyn’s husband of over 33 years, has largely stayed out of the bright studio lights that defined his wife’s career. Honestly, that’s probably why they’ve lasted so long. In an industry where egos often clash and schedules are grueling, Dave has been the steady anchor behind the anchor.
The couple’s story isn't one of those "met on set" clichés. They’ve been a unit since before Carolyn became a household name in the Midwest. They raised their daughter, Taylor, in the Kansas City area, navigating the weird reality of having a local celebrity for a mom.
Why Everyone is Talking About Carolyn Long KCTV5 Husband Now
The sudden surge in interest regarding Carolyn’s personal life didn't happen by accident. It was sparked by a major life pivot. A while back, Dave took a job in Florida.
📖 Related: Judge Dana and Keith Cutler: What Most People Get Wrong About TV’s Favorite Legal Couple
Now, think about that for a second.
You have a legendary career in Missouri, but your partner is over a thousand miles away. For a significant stretch of time, the Longs were living a "bi-coastal" (or at least bi-regional) lifestyle that sounds exhausting. Carolyn remained in KC to finish out her contract and maintain her commitment to the viewers, while Dave was setting up their next chapter in the Sunshine State.
The commute was, as Carolyn herself described it, "arduous." We’re talking about a lot of Delta miles and FaceTime calls. Eventually, something had to give. You can only do the long-distance thing for so long before the lure of a shared morning coffee beats out the thrill of a 6:00 PM broadcast.
👉 See also: The Billy Bob Tattoo: What Angelina Jolie Taught Us About Inking Your Ex
A Retirement Driven by Family
Carolyn was very transparent about the fact that her husband was the primary driver for her leaving KCTV5. It wasn't about a better offer at another station. It was about "reuniting the family."
- The Florida Move: Dave’s career transition necessitated the move.
- The Daughter Factor: Their daughter, Taylor, has moved on to start her own career in Dallas. With the nest empty and Dave in Florida, Kansas City started to feel a lot larger and a lot quieter for Carolyn.
- The Timing: 30 years is a massive milestone. It’s the kind of number that lets you walk away with your head high and no regrets.
It's actually kinda refreshing. In a world where people often prioritize "the brand" or the next big promotion, seeing a powerhouse like Carolyn Long walk away to be with her husband is a reminder of what actually matters. She basically chose a sunset on a Florida beach over a teleprompter, and honestly, who can blame her?
Life After KCTV5: What’s Next for the Longs?
While Dave is already established in Florida, Carolyn’s transition is more about "trying new things." She hasn't ruled out work entirely, but the focus has shifted. The move to join her husband marks the end of an era for Kansas City news, but the beginning of what friends say is a much-needed break for the couple.
✨ Don't miss: Birth Date of Pope Francis: Why Dec 17 Still Matters for the Church
They’ve spent three decades managing her schedule—the late nights, the breaking news cycles, the holiday shifts. Now, the schedule belongs to them. Whether it’s supporting Dave’s endeavors or finally having a Tuesday night dinner that doesn't involve a microwave at the station, the priority is clear.
What You Should Take Away
If you’ve been following this story, the "actionable" part isn't just about celebrity gossip. It’s a lesson in career longevity and knowing when to pivot.
- Prioritize the "Home Anchor": Even the most successful careers eventually end. The relationships you maintain during those years—like the one Carolyn kept with Dave—are what you’re left with.
- Recognize the Signs of Burnout: Long-distance relationships and grueling work hours are a recipe for exhaustion. If you find yourself in an "arduous" commute for your personal life, it might be time to re-evaluate the 9-to-5.
- Plan the Exit: Carolyn didn't just vanish. She gave the station and her viewers a long lead time, ensuring her legacy remained intact while she transitioned to her life with Dave.
The story of Carolyn Long and her husband isn't a scandal or a mystery. It’s just a very human tale of a woman who did her job, did it well, and decided that, after 30 years, it was finally time to go home to the person who had been waiting for her.