You’ve probably seen the whispers on social media or noticed a headline that made you double-take. For over three decades, Tracy Butler has been the steady, sunny voice of Chicago’s morning weather. When someone has been in our living rooms since 1994, it’s only natural to wonder: how much longer will she be there?
Let’s get the big question out of the way immediately. No, Tracy Butler is not retiring right now.
In fact, she recently celebrated a massive milestone—her 30th anniversary at ABC7 Chicago in January 2024. Most people don't stay at a job for 30 weeks these days, let alone 30 years in the cutthroat world of broadcast news. But if you’re looking for evidence that she’s hanging up the barometer, you won’t find it in her recent broadcasts. She’s still the longest-running female meteorologist in Chicago, and by all accounts, she’s still "living the dream" just like she said years ago.
Why the is Tracy Butler retiring rumors started
Rumors like this usually don't just pop up out of thin air. They often grow from a mix of genuine concern and a few specific events that happened over the last few years.
First off, Tracy has been incredibly open about her health. Back in late 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She underwent surgery in early 2019 and has since become a fierce advocate for early detection. When a beloved public figure takes time off for medical treatment, the "retirement" word starts floating around. Thankfully, Tracy recovered and returned to the air with more energy than ever.
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Then there’s the anniversary. When Phil Schwarz made a surprise appearance to celebrate her 30 years at the station, it felt like a "career retrospective." For many viewers, that kind of tribute usually signals an exit. But for Tracy, it was just a Tuesday.
The confusion with another Tracy Butler
Here is something most people totally miss: there are actually two very famous Tracy Butlers.
One is our Chicago meteorologist. The other is the creator of the wildly popular webcomic and animated series Lackadaisy. If you’ve seen posts online about "Tracy Butler stopping the comic" or "moving into a new phase," they are almost certainly talking about the artist. As of early 2026, the Lackadaisy creator has been heavily focused on the animated series with Glitch Productions.
So, if you’re a fan of the weather and you saw a post about Tracy Butler "shifting focus," you might have been looking at news about cartoon cats in the 1920s instead of the 7-day forecast.
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A career built on more than just rain
Honestly, it's hard to imagine ABC7 without her. She didn't just walk into a top-three market job; she fought for it.
Tracy started out in Wheeling, West Virginia, making about $5.50 an hour. That’s not a typo. She moved through Youngstown and Richmond, eventually catching the eye of the legendary Jerry Taft. Since she arrived in the Windy City, she’s covered everything from the devastating 1995 heat wave to the "Snowmageddon" blizzards that shut down Lake Shore Drive.
She also runs the "Weather Sketcher’s Club," which has been a staple for Chicago kids for decades. When you’ve spent 30 years encouraging seven-year-olds to draw clouds, you aren’t just a TV personality; you’re part of the city’s furniture.
What to expect from Tracy Butler in 2026
If you’re worried about her leaving, keep an eye on her schedule. She’s still holding down the 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift, plus the 11:00 a.m. hour. That is a grueling schedule. She’s mentioned before that her family usually eats dinner around 3:30 p.m. because she has to be in bed so early.
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While she hasn't announced a retirement date, here is the reality of the industry:
- Most veteran broadcasters eventually move to a part-time or "special contributor" role before fully leaving.
- Stations usually announce major departures months in advance to give viewers time to say goodbye.
- Tracy remains active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes clips of her dogs and her garden, showing no signs of slowing down.
Actionable advice for fans
If you want to stay updated on the status of Tracy Butler’s career without falling for "clickbait" rumors, here is what you should actually do:
- Follow her official socials: She is very active on Facebook and Instagram. If she’s planning a major life change, she’ll tell her "weather family" there first.
- Watch for the "Special Announcement" promos: ABC7 is not subtle. If a legend is leaving, they will run promos for weeks.
- Don't confuse the artist with the meteorologist: If you see "Lackadaisy" mentioned in a post about Tracy Butler, it’s not about the weather.
- Get your checkups: Take a page out of Tracy’s book. She always says her "gift" to herself was that mammogram that saved her life.
She’s still here, she’s still forecasting, and she’s still the "perky gal from Pittsburgh" who made it big in Chicago. For now, you can leave the umbrella by the door—Tracy isn’t going anywhere just yet.