What Happened To Lin Sue Cooney? The Truth Behind The Beloved News Anchor's Transition

Lin Sue Cooney is a name synonymous with television news in the Phoenix metropolitan area. For over three decades, she served as the primary anchor for 12 News (KPNX), becoming a household figure for millions of Arizonans. Her departure from the anchor desk in 2015 sent shockwaves through the local media landscape, leaving many viewers wondering what prompted her to leave a career that spanned nearly 32 years. Unlike many media personalities who disappear into retirement or transition to rival stations, Cooney’s path was marked by a deliberate and meaningful shift toward community service and hospice care.

The "first" chapter of her career was defined by hard-hitting journalism, breaking news coverage, and becoming a trusted face during times of crisis in the Southwest. Her transition was not sudden; it was a calculated move away from the high-pressure environment of the newsroom toward an organization where she could impact lives on a more personal level. Understanding what happened to her requires looking at her professional evolution from the bright lights of the television studio to her current role at Hospice of the Valley.

From News Anchor to Community Leader: The Career Pivot

When Lin Sue Cooney announced her retirement from 12 News in 2015, the media landscape was rapidly shifting. Digital journalism was taking precedence over traditional broadcasts, and many veteran anchors were facing contract renegotiations or forced departures. However, Cooney’s exit was different. She had already been actively involved with Hospice of the Valley for years, lending her voice and presence to various charitable initiatives. Her shift was motivated by a desire to address end-of-life care, a subject she found profoundly important after experiencing the loss of loved ones.

The transition from a news anchor to the Director of Community Engagement at Hospice of the Valley was a natural progression of her personal values. In the news, she told the stories of others; in her current role, she helps facilitate the care and support that defines the final chapters of those stories. This pivot allowed her to utilize her communication skills to educate the public about the importance of hospice care, breaking down the stigma that often surrounds the term. She remains a prominent figure in the Phoenix area, but her work is now centered on advocacy, compassion, and systemic support for families in crisis.

This pivot represents a model for professionals in high-stress industries. Rather than clinging to a dying format, Cooney identified a mission that aligned with her life experience. By moving to the non-profit sector, she maintained her public profile while drastically changing the nature of her daily output. She effectively proved that a public figure’s legacy does not have to be tied to the medium where they first gained fame, but rather to the impact they leave on their community.

Why Viewers Felt the Loss of the "First" Anchor

For many, Lin Sue Cooney was the "first" person they saw when they woke up or turned on the news after work. She provided a sense of stability in an era of rapid change. Her anchoring style was characterized by poise, empathy, and a rigorous commitment to accuracy. She covered the most significant events in Arizona history, from major political shifts to local environmental catastrophes, always maintaining a cool demeanor that brought order to the chaos of the daily news cycle.

Her departure changed the chemistry of the 12 News evening team. For the audience, losing a long-term anchor feels like losing a neighbor. Many viewers found it difficult to adjust to the rotating cast of personalities that followed. The "Lin Sue era" set a benchmark for what local news should look like: human, intelligent, and deeply connected to the geography and culture of the desert southwest. This cultural attachment explains why, nearly a decade later, people still search for her status and current whereabouts.

The impact of her absence was felt throughout the local journalism community. Without the institutional knowledge that anchors like Cooney brought to the table, the local news desk became less about long-form investigative storytelling and more about rapid-fire updates. While this is an industry-wide trend, Cooney’s departure served as a turning point that highlighted the shifting priorities of local broadcasters toward younger demographics and lower-cost production models.

Comparison: Journalism vs. Non-Profit Advocacy

The difference between Cooney’s former career and her current role is stark. To understand the transition, it is helpful to look at the metrics that define success in both fields.

While the broadcast industry relies on viewership spikes and sensationalism to maintain market share, the hospice sector thrives on trust, reputation, and sustained support. Cooney’s ability to navigate both worlds speaks to her versatility. In broadcasting, she learned how to distill complex information into digestible, relatable content. She now applies this exact skill set to the, at times, difficult and technical conversations regarding end-of-life decisions and hospice eligibility.

Hospice of the Valley: A Deep Dive into Her Mission

Hospice of the Valley is one of the largest not-for-profit hospice organizations in the United States. Its influence in the Arizona region is significant, serving thousands of families annually. Cooney’s work there is not merely honorary; she is an active participant in community education, fundraising, and public relations. By leveraging her reputation, she has helped the organization expand its reach, ensuring that families know that hospice is not just about "giving up," but about improving the quality of the time remaining.

One of the key programs she promotes is the integration of hospice care into the home. Many people still fear that entering hospice means being isolated in a sterile hospital room, but Cooney has been instrumental in educating the public about in-home care options. Through her articles, speaking engagements, and media appearances, she has worked to demystify the dying process. She often speaks about the "beauty" of hospice, framing it as a holistic approach that cares for the spirit and the family unit, rather than just the medical symptoms.

For those interested in how to get started with Hospice of the Valley or similar organizations, the process usually begins with an evaluation. If you or a loved one are facing a terminal diagnosis, the first step is often a consultation with a primary care physician to discuss whether hospice care is appropriate. From there, Hospice of the Valley provides a multidisciplinary team—including nurses, social workers, and chaplains—to build a personalized care plan. Cooney’s advocacy ensures that these resources are accessible and that the fear factor—which often delays needed care—is minimized.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Lin Sue Cooney still working at Hospice of the Valley?

Yes, she continues to serve as the Director of Community Engagement for the organization. Her long-standing tenure reflects her deep commitment to the mission of end-of-life care.

2. Will Lin Sue Cooney ever return to television news?

While she occasionally appears as a guest or for special community segments, she has expressed no desire to return to the anchor desk full-time. She is focused on her current career path.

3. Why did she leave 12 News in the first place?

Cooney described it as a desire to pursue work that felt more meaningful on a personal level. After 32 years of reporting on the tragedies and triumphs of others, she wanted to be on the front lines of providing comfort.

4. What is the main focus of her work now?

Her work focuses on community outreach, public education about end-of-life care, and fundraising to support the various programs that Hospice of the Valley offers to the uninsured or underinsured.

5. Is there a connection between her broadcast background and hospice work?

Absolutely. The same communication skills required to hold an audience's attention during a breaking news event are essential when explaining complex, sensitive end-of-life medical topics to grieving families.

6. Where can I find more information about her current projects?

You can visit the official Hospice of the Valley website. They frequently post updates on community events, educational webinars, and programs where Lin Sue Cooney is involved.

A Legacy of Service

Lin Sue Cooney’s transition serves as a powerful reminder that professional lives are not static. While many still look back at her time as an anchor with nostalgia, her current work demonstrates that service to the community is the most enduring legacy. By moving from the newsroom to the hospice room, she hasn't stopped telling important stories; she has simply shifted her focus to the stories that matter most at the very end of life. If you or a family member are navigating difficult health decisions, reaching out to organizations like Hospice of the Valley can provide the support and guidance you need during challenging times. Explore their resources today to learn how compassionate care can change the final chapter of a journey.