Remembering Jen Myers: Y98 Radio Host Passes Away at 49 After Battle with Cancer

Jen Myers, a beloved radio host known for her long tenure at Y98, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the age of 49, following an eight-year battle with breast cancer. The sad news was shared by Y98 St. Louis through a heartfelt post on Facebook. In their statement, they expressed:

“We are completely devastated by this loss but will hold onto all of the laughs and countless memories she made on air with us here at Y98.”

A native of New York, Myers dedicated 26 years to the radio industry, hosting shows in cities such as Buffalo, Des Moines, and St. Louis, where she became especially well-known as a co-host of the morning show at Y98.

Meyers’ Cancer Journey Began in May 2016

Born in January 1975 in Amherst, NY, Jen was the daughter of Paul and Peggy Belliotti. Her obituary highlighted her talents, noting her proficiency with the violin and her impressive collection of mix tapes.

Her educational journey took her through Windermere Boulevard Elementary and Amherst Central High School, before she pursued English studies at Binghamton University. Jen later attended the University of Buffalo for graduate studies, but left in her final year to support her husband, Ryan.

In 2003, she wed Ryan, and they welcomed two children, Finn and Nora. Jen’s initial diagnosis came in May 2016, when she was found to have stage 4 breast cancer.

The obituary reflected on her remarkable 26-year career in radio, combining her love of music and words. She began her broadcasting journey in 1998 at CBS Radio’s Modern AC station, Alice 92.9, in Buffalo. The following year, she took on roles as music director and midday host at Star 102.5 in Des Moines, under Saga Communications.

In the early 2000s, she rejoined CBS and served as the music director and co-host at Y98 for 15 years. By March 2021, she advanced to the role of Assistant Program Director for both Y98 and AC 102.5 KEZK.

“Her voice was what St. Louis woke up to, and her candor and personal stories about infertility, parenting, and her cancer journey endeared her to an entire city. Everyone felt like her friend,”her obituary detailed.

Jen was also an advocate for numerous causes, successfully raising thousands for organizations such as Pedal the Cause, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation, and Pink Ribbon Good.

Her family plans to host a public visitation at a local church followed by a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, they are encouraging donations to Pedal the Cause, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Pink Ribbon Girls. A GoFundMe page has also been established to support her family.

Tributes Pour in for Jen Myers

As word of her passing circulated, many took to social media to express their sympathies, including fellow radio host Lern, and supporters from Pedal The Cause, a cancer-focused non-profit organization. Here are a few reactions on Facebook following Y98’s announcement:

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Facebook/@Y98 St. Louis)

Becky Domyan, SVP/Market Manager at Audacy, Inc., paid tribute on Instagram, stating:

“We lost a beloved member of our radio family and community today. Jen was an absolute warrior, and used her time and energy to help others day in and day out; even if she wasn’t feeling her best. I am so honored that I was able to work with her, as her positive impact on so many was significant.”

Another radio colleague, Stel Pontikes, shared a moving message on Facebook, reminiscing about their time together at Y98 in Des Moines.

Additionally, KYKY held a heartfelt on-air tribute to Myers, with her former colleagues Courtney Landrum and Marty Linck dedicating their show to honor her memory.

According to her obituary, Jen Myers is survived by her husband Ryan Farmer, their children Finn and Nora, her parents Paul and Peggy Belliotti, brother Greg Belliotti and wife Nicole, brother-in-law Justin Farmer and wife Becky, father-in-law Greg Farmer and wife Connie, along with four beloved nieces and nephews.

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