Source: Miami Times Staff
Jill Tracey, the beloved media personality known most recently from her work with HOT 105 FM Miami, died on Friday at the age of 60.
Tracey, a popular voice in South Florida radio for more than three decades, was also running for the District 2 seat on the Hollywood City Commission at the time of her death. She formerly served as the president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) South Florida chapter, where she advocated for diversity in journalism.
Most recently, Tracey had spent more than a decade with HOT105, where she took on various roles. She served as news director and co-hosted the Rickey Smiley Morning Show on weekdays, in addition to leading her own program, “Hot Talk with Jill Tracey,” on Sunday nights at 11 p.m.
She was abruptly fired from the radio station in June, citing financial issues.
Though born in Detroit, Tracey’s career took off in South Beach as a gossip columnist. The various jobs that followed would take her across the country, but she would eventually land back in Miami.
Tracey subsequently left a mark on the community she came to know and love throughout her long career. She was an instructor with Urgent, Inc., the community development organization dedicated to empowering youth to transform their communities through media. She also contributed time and donated to various organizations, including Embrace Girls Foundation, YWCA of Miami, NFL Sisters in Service, the chapter of the NABJ she used to lead, and the Cultural Heritage Alliance on Tourism.
“Jill Tracey was more than a colleague; she was a beloved member of the South Florida community, known for her warmth, humor, and unwavering support for others,” reads a GoFundMe that has been set up in her honor. “Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those she touched throughout her life.”
The page notes that Tracey was facing health challenges before her death, though her “resilience and determination never wavered,” it reads.
Funeral arrangements for Tracey will be announced soon.
Jill Tracey, South Florida radio veteran, passed away at 60.
She was a former HOT 105 FM host and news director, known for “Hot Talk with Jill Tracey.”
Tracey was running for the District 2 Hollywood city commission seat.
She was a past president of NABJ’s South Florida chapter, advocating for diversity in media.
Actively involved in the community, she supported youth initiatives and nonprofit organizations.
Jill Tracey Hot 105 FM Miami Radio Personality South Florida Media District 2 Hollywood City Commission Nabj South Florida “hot Talk With Jill Tracey” Rickey Smiley Morning Show Miami Community Leader Embrace Girls Foundation Urgent Inc. Hollywood City Commission Candidate Gofundme.
