Friday, July 14, 2023

R.I.P.: Dolly Fortier, Longtime Eastern Iowa Broadcaster

Dolly Fortier
Cedar Valley, Iowa radio icon Dolly Fortier has died.

The 86-year-old broadcaster suffered a heart attack last Wednesday. Her absence was noticeable to her regular listeners on Oldie Cruisin’ KCFI Radio because of a change in programming. 

Fortier officially retired from KWLO Radio in 2008 after a 39-year-career in radio broadcasting. She continued to devote her time to community service, but returned to the broadcast booth after a five-year hiatus in 2013.

Fortier filled the airwaves from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. “Lunchtime with Dolly” quickly became a popular program on KCFI FM 105.1 and AM 1250. Listeners tuned in for Big Band Monday, Girl Tuesday, Whatever Wednesday, Guy Thursday and Featured Artist Friday.

In 2016, she was named Broadcaster of the Year by the Iowa Broadcasters Association.

"I loved radio because I grew up with radio," the quick-witted broadcaster told The Courier. "It's just a fascinating industry. I'm just so grateful to have been a part of it, the local history here, and to meet the people that have been involved in it."

Her radio career began in 1970 as a copywriter and sales coordinator for KWWL-FM, and she later moved to sales. Fortier sat down behind the microphone in 1996 and steadily gained a following of devoted listeners.

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