Pari Cruz

Friends, I have some personal news to share!
This will be my last week WTKR News 3 after spending the last 3 years bringing you stories on our environment, our community, and more from the desk as your evening anchor.

To say this is bittersweet is such an understatement.

Thank you for trusting me to share in some of your happiest celebrations, your most difficult days, and everything in between.
I have read every message, every post, every email possible. You welcomed me into your homes and your lives, and I’ve so enjoyed hearing from all of you and getting to know you.
I have never taken the work I do lightly, it has always meant so much to me because our community and the people in it mean so much. There are so many beautiful people doing wonderful things to make it better! It has been my absolute favorite thing to be able to highlight these incredible people we have all around us!
Your kind messages have helped propel the work I do, and the meaning behind it. I’ll still be in the area, so if you happen to see me around, please come say hi!

The work we do at our local news stations matters, and the people behind it matter too because we pour our hearts and minds into bringing you the latest from Hampton Roads, the country, and the world in the best way possible. Working very long hours, weekends, extremely late nights into early mornings, and even on-call days here and there. And most days, we don’t get any recognition for it-we do it because it’s a calling we innately answer.

My News 3 team (past and present) has been so special to me! I burrowed my way into their hearts whether they liked it or not, just like they’ve made their place in mine where they will always belong. It’s so wonderful when the crazy little weirdo in you gets adopted by the other fun little weirdos around you and you become family. We have shared some truly heartbreaking moments together, as well as some really happy memories! Like when I welcomed my little guy into this world and he automatically had a bunch of built in aunts and uncles!

As for what’s next? I’m not sure! All I know is that I’m looking forward to the extra time I will get to spend with my baby boy who will soon turn one! He’s getting so big, and time only seems to be passing faster and faster. The words a kind nurse shared in my hospital room 2 days postpartum continue to ring true: “The days are long, but the years are short.”
I know I might be replaceable at work, but never at home.
So from the very bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, your love, and support. It has meant so much to me. ♥️

It’s so nice to see this guy now regularly! And even more fun when we get to drive our producers crazy from the desk!! 🤣

Really enjoyed the sunny skies and anchoring with my pal Pari Cruz today! ☀️☀️☀️ Enjoy the nice evening and we’ll see you back here tomorrow on WTKR News 3.

What can I say about Patrick Rockey Weather that hasn’t been said? We will miss him so so much, but I’m so excited for his next adventures!! ♥️