Tracy McCool is an American television journalist and evening news anchor best known for her decades-long run at FOX 8 News (WJW) in Cleveland, Ohio. She co-anchors the top-rated 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts and is widely recognised across Northeast Ohio for her warm on-air presence. Tracy is also remembered for the public love story she shared with her late husband, John Cook.
Tracy McCool Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Tracy Lyn McCool |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | April 6, 1966 |
| Age | 60 years (as of June 2026) |
| Place of birth | Copley, Ohio, United States |
| Current residence | Akron area, Ohio |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac sign | Aries |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Hair colour | Blonde |
| Eye colour | Blue |
| Marital status | Widowed |
| Spouse | John Cook (m. 1990s–2023, his death) |
| Children | 2 — Cassidy Cook and Carter Cook |
| High school | Copley High School |
| Alma mater | Kent State University |
| Profession | News anchor, journalist |
| Years active | 1994 – present |
| Employer | FOX 8 News (WJW), Cleveland |
| Net worth | Estimated $1 million – $5 million |
| @tracymccool | |
| Tracy McCool |
Who is Tracy McCool?
Tracy McCool is a veteran American news anchor who has spent more than three decades reporting the day’s biggest stories to viewers in Northeast Ohio.
She joined FOX 8 News in Cleveland on September 6, 1994, and has since become one of the most familiar faces on local evening television. Tracy currently co-anchors the station’s 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts alongside Lou Maglio and Gabe Spiegel.
Beyond the anchor desk, she is admired for her openness about family life, faith, and the loss of her husband to colon cancer. Her advocacy work around early cancer screening has reached audiences far beyond Ohio.
How old is Tracy McCool? Age and birthday
Tracy McCool is 60 years old as of June 2026. She was born on April 6, 1966, in Copley, Ohio, which makes her zodiac sign Aries.
Tracy celebrated her 60th birthday earlier this year, and she has often credited her tight-knit family and Midwestern roots for keeping her grounded through the milestone.
Where is Tracy McCool from?
Tracy was raised in Copley, a small community just outside Akron. She has spoken fondly about local diners, parks, and high school memories from her hometown.
After years of working in Cleveland television, she still lives in the Akron area, close to where she grew up.
Tracy McCool’s height, weight, and body measurements
Tracy McCool stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches (around 168 cm) tall and weighs an estimated 130 pounds (about 59 kg).
Her body measurements are estimated at around 36-28-37 inches (91-71-94 cm). She has blonde hair and bright blue eyes, and her on-air look is often described as polished and classic. Tracy’s shoe size is estimated to be around US 8.
What is Tracy McCool’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Tracy McCool’s net worth is estimated at between $1 million and $5 million, based on figures circulated by celebrity finance trackers. The variation reflects different assumptions about her tenure, syndication, and long-term contracts at FOX 8.
Salary
Tracy reportedly earns an estimated annual salary in the range of $80,000 to $100,000 from her anchor role, in line with industry averages for senior evening anchors in mid-major U.S. markets such as Cleveland.
Income sources
Her income is built from her primary FOX 8 contract, supplemented by appearances, hosting duties for community events, and brand partnerships tied to her social media following. Years of steady employment with a single major-market station have also contributed to a stable financial profile.
Education
Tracy attended Copley High School, where she met her future husband, John Cook, back in 1986. She later enrolled at Kent State University in Ohio, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 1994.
Tracy has remained closely tied to her alma mater and even served as the Kent State Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal in 2014.
Tracy McCool’s career
Tracy launched her broadcasting career immediately after college. She joined FOX 8 News (WJW-TV) in Cleveland as a general assignment reporter in May 2000, after earlier television work in the local market starting in September 1994.
Building the Akron/Summit County Bureau
One of her early career highlights was helping to establish FOX 8’s Akron/Summit County news bureau. The assignment kept her close to her hometown while bringing regional stories to a wider Cleveland audience.
Evening anchor role
Tracy was eventually promoted to evening anchor, a position she still holds. She anchors the FOX 8 News at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. weeknights, covering breaking news, severe weather, elections, and major community events across Northeast Ohio.
In 2024, the station celebrated her 30-year anniversary on the FOX 8 family, marking a rare milestone in modern local television.
Advocacy and special projects
After her husband John’s diagnosis with stage 4 colon cancer in 2018, Tracy began using her platform to push for earlier screenings and to share patient stories.
Her on-air segments on cancer awareness have been credited with prompting many viewers to schedule colonoscopies. She has also been recognised by Kent State University for her contributions to journalism and community service.
Is Tracy McCool married? Husband, family, and relationship status
Tracy McCool was married to John Cook, her high school sweetheart. The couple first crossed paths at Copley High School in 1986 and later built a life together in the Akron area. John was widely loved by FOX 8 viewers, who watched the couple share their story openly on air.
John Cook’s illness and death
John was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in late 2018. He fought the disease for nearly five years, often appearing alongside Tracy in segments aimed at encouraging early screening.
John Cook passed away on May 9, 2023, at age 53, with Tracy by his side. Since his death, Tracy has not publicly confirmed any new relationship and continues to honour his memory through her advocacy work.
Tracy McCool’s children
Tracy and John have two children, Cassidy Cook and Carter Cook. Cassidy is the elder daughter, while Carter recently graduated from both Highland High School and the Medina County Career Center.
Tracy frequently shares family milestones on her social media accounts, including her son’s 18th birthday and her daughter’s achievements.
Family pets
The McCool-Cook household has long been a dog-loving home. Tracy has shared memories of her dogs Samson, Nikko, and Yeti, the last of whom passed away in spring 2025 while the family was on vacation.
Social media presence
As of June 2026, Tracy McCool is active on Instagram and Facebook, where she has built a combined following of more than 100,000 fans. Her Facebook page alone counts roughly 90,000 followers.
She mainly posts family updates, behind-the-scenes newsroom moments, and tributes to her late husband. Her most-shared posts often involve her children, her dogs, or messages of hope around cancer awareness.
Tracy McCool: fast facts
- Tracy’s full name is Tracy Lyn McCool, and she goes by “Trace” among close friends.
- She is a proud 1994 broadcast journalism graduate of Kent State University.
- She once considered becoming a police officer and nearly took the entrance test while in college.
- Tracy worked as a waitress at a popular Kent eatery during her university years.
- She joined FOX 8 News on September 6, 1994, making her one of the station’s longest-serving anchors.
- Her favourite band is Queensrÿche, and she was once surprised on air with tickets to meet them.
- Tracy lives in the Akron area and enjoys golfing, skiing, and time at the lake.
- She served as Kent State University’s Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal in 2014.
- Her late husband, John Cook, was her high school sweetheart from Copley High.
- She is a vocal advocate for colon cancer screening, especially for adults under 50.
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Wrapping up
Tracy McCool’s story blends professional longevity with personal resilience. At 60, she remains one of Cleveland’s most trusted evening anchors, balancing a demanding broadcast schedule with motherhood, advocacy, and the legacy of her late husband.
Her continued work at FOX 8 News, paired with her openness about loss and healing, has cemented her status as one of Northeast Ohio’s most respected media personalities heading deeper into 2026.
References
- FOX 8 News Cleveland. “Tracy McCool – Author profile”
- FOX 8 News Cleveland. “FOX 8 celebrates 30 years with anchor Tracy McCool”
- FOX 8 News Cleveland. “Brave battle: Tracy McCool’s husband John has passed away”
- Cleveland.com. “Fox 8’s Tracy McCool’s husband dies from cancer”
- Akron Beacon Journal. “Fox 8’s Tracy McCool’s husband dies after 5-year colon cancer fight”
- Kent State University. “Kent State Celebrates Homecoming on Oct. 18”
- The Kent Stater. “Fox 8’s McCool returns to Kent State, this time with a sash”
- Billow Funeral Homes. “John W. Cook Obituary”
- FOX 8 News Cleveland. “Tracy McCool’s Fascinating Facts”
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