Kay Burley is retiring after 36 years with Sky News (Image: Sky News)
Kay Burley admits she “doesn’t know how much longer she has left” after a cancer scare a few years back.
The 64-year-old has regularly spoken about the threat breast cancer poses. The disease killed her mother, her aunt, and her grandmother, leaving worried about developing the condition herself.
Kay, from , even had a scare herself a few years ago, reports The Times. She said: “My sister Jacqueline was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
“She’s my kid sister, she’s got two grandchildren under three and, to be honest, I wish I had it instead of her. I would rather it was me than her.”
While Jacqueline underwent treatment, it prompted Kay to go to regular genetic testing for the disease. She added: “My family history is not great for longevity, so I’m always reminding myself. I just don’t know how long I’ve got.”
:
Kay Burley has presented at 12 General Elections (Image: Getty)
Kay has been open about health issues during her final years in her career. She says she had to make a crucial tweak to her morning routine in 2023 after “waking up covered in blood”.
The star said her alarm would go off at 3.17am, she’d sit up, take a breath, and then turn the lights on. She says it is “very important” because she “jumped out of bed” one morning, only to wake up on the bathroom floor.
She says she took medication to “lower her blood pressure” only to discover “the menopause lowers it further”. Kay discovered her harsh wake-up meant she passed out in the shower.
The incident meant Kay had to miss a day at Sky News. The star announced she was leaving the broadcaster after 36 years, helping to launch the channel in 1989.
During her time at Sky News, Kay has reported on 12 General Elections, the death of Diana, the Princess of Wales, and the 9/11 attacks. Closing her final show, she revealed she planned to spend more time travelling.
Don’t miss… [REPORT]
Kay Burley regularly gets genetically tested for breast cancer, she revealed (Image: Sky News)
She said: “From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it’s been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.
“News by its very nature is often devastating and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events – from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.
“But we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven’t we – the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.
“So, after covering 12 separate general elections – including Sir ‘s victory last year – I am retiring from Sky News – let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!”