Shelli Sonstein Leaving Q104.3/NYC

• Shelli Sonstein, Jim Kerr‘s longtime friend and morning co-host on iHeartMedia Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3)/New York for the past 22 years — and for many years before that on the late WPLJ — will not be returning to the station. Sonstein had taken a leave of absence last September after the tragic death of her 38-year-old daughter, Dina.

Thursday morning, a emotional Kerr broke the news of Sonstein’s decision to the show’s loyal longtime listeners. “The day before yesterday, Shelli told me that she had decided to step away from our show, and from Q104.3,” Kerr said. “Now, I’ve spent the better part of 49 years in a small room like the one I’m in right now with Shelli. We have gone through some amazing experiences together, and we knew each other very well, but we also knew that you know us very well too. And Shelli, along with me, we’ve always really believed that you are friends, so please bear with me for just a little while, while we discuss early morning friendship.”

Please take the time to listen to the entirety of Kerr’s beautifully heartfelt tribute to his partner, posted HERE.

We should note that among Sonstein’s many charitable accomplishments was her participation in the annualTunnels To Towers’ Tower Climb — a grueling 104-story climb to the top of the World Trade Center to help raise money for the families of first responders who are killed in action, builds smart homes for catastrophically wounded vets, and builds villages all over the U.S. to end veterans’ homelessness. Sonstein proudly completed her 8th T2T climb last June, finishing 2nd in her age group, completing the race in 30 minutes and 10 seconds, and raising nearly $30,000 for this most worthy cause.

For its part, Q104.3 posted this thank you message to Instagram: “22 years ago Shelli Sonstein was reunited with Jim Kerr to wake up New York on Q104.3. Today she has decided to step away from the show permanently. While we are saddened by Shelli’s decision to leave, it is completely understandable, and our hearts are with her. Thank you Shelli for an amazing 22 years!”