Longtime iHeartMedia Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ New York morning co-host Shelli Sonstein has stepped down from her position marking an end to her 53 year radio career.

Sonstein had been off the air since the death of her daughter Dina in September. She began her career in 1973 at WMMR Philadelphia and later worked in Atlanta before arriving in New York in 1977 to join Jim Kerr in mornings at 95.5 WPLJ and also served as a newscaster for ABC Radio Network. After twelve years there, Sonstein would follow Kerr to Country 103.5 WYNY and Hot AC “Mix 105” WMXV before they split with Sonstein spending time 1250 WMTR/105.5 WDHA Morristown NJ before they reunited to join WAXQ in 2003. Sonstein also hosted WAXQ’s weekly public affairs show “Sonstein Sunday” and has won several Gracie Awards. She and Kerr were inducted into the New York State Broadcaster Hall of Fame in 2022.

Kerr announced Sonstein’s departure this morning and paid tribute to his on-air partner of 47 years.

Kerr and Executive Producer/co-host Trevor Marden remain in mornings.