Youngstown Radio: Longtime WQXK Co-Host Mary Ann Graff Retires

Longtime K-105 morning co-host MaryAnn Graff has retired, just one week after the death of her longtime partner Doug James, leaving the Cumulus Media country station WQXK (K-105) in Youngstown without its familiar morning team after more than three decades.

Graff announced her departure on Facebook, confirming that her final day on air was her last: "Today was my last day sharing mornings with you at K-105. It’s time to retire. I could never have dreamed this career when I came here June 1st, 1985. It truly was a dream job. Thank you all for allowing me to join you each morning. It has been an absolute joy!! I love you all and will see you around K-country!"

Mary Ann Graff

Her retirement, which sources indicate was planned prior to James' passing, ends a remarkable 40-plus-year run at the station. Graff joined WQXK in 1985 and began co-hosting mornings with James in 1991, creating a beloved on-air partnership that became a staple for country music fans across the Mahoning Valley.

James, who had been with K-105 since 1989, died on January 8, 2026, at age 71 following a brief illness. His passing was announced on air by Graff herself the following Monday, and the station shared the news widely on its platforms.

Cumulus Youngstown Vice President and Market Manager Bill Kelly paid tribute to James the day after his death: “Doug loved all of K-Country and was passionate about the music, the artists, the listeners, and our community, and was a devout supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. He believed helping our community of listeners was as important as having them listen daily. Doug set the standard for morning radio in the Valley.”

The station has not yet announced plans for the future of its morning show or any replacements for the duo, leaving listeners wondering who will fill the void left by two enduring voices in local country radio. The back-to-back departures mark the end of an era for WQXK, which has relied on the James-Graff chemistry to connect with its audience for generations.