Lynne Harvey died early Saturday, May 3, at the couple's home in the Chicago suburb of River Forest after a yearlong battle with leukemia, according to a release from the "Paul Harvey News" office. She was 92.
Lynne Harvey, a St. Louis native, was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Washington University. She was working as an education reporter at KXOK in St. Louis when she met Paul Harvey, who was a special events director at the station.
Harvey invited her to dinner, proposed to her after a few minutes of conversation and from then on called her "Angel" (and still does). A year later she said yes.
They married in 1940 and later moved to Chicago.
Lynne Harvey is credited with developing some of Paul Harvey's best known broadcast features, including "The Rest of the Story."
Tom Langmyer, WGN Radio Vice President and General Manager, said "Angel was a broadcasting pioneer whose work and noteworthy contributions to our industry spanned into eight decades. She was woman of dignity, charm, warmth and compassion. From her adopted hometown of Chicago, the WGN family sends the Harvey family our deepest condolences."
She was the first producer to enter the National Radio Hall of Fame and was inducted in 1997. She was a founding member of the board of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, home of the hall of fame.
Bruce DuMont, museum founder and president, said Lynne Harvey was "one of the most remarkable behind-the-scenes talents in the history of American broadcasting, both radio and television."
Describing her as warm, smart and generous, DuMont noted that Lynne Harvey set aside her own on-air radio aspirations to work as a producer for her husband.
"She crafted the most successful radio career of all time," DuMont said. "She was to Paul Harvey what Colonel Parker was to Elvis Presley."
DuMont called the Harveys' relationship "probably the greatest love story that I've ever experienced."
Lynne Harvey is survived by her husband Paul Harvey and their son, Paul Harvey Jr.
On May 17, 2007, Harvey told his radio audience that Lynne (Angel) was suffering from leukemia.
Jim Robinson, president of ABC Radio Networks issued this statement:
Angel Harvey's passing is a loss for all of us in radio. For decades she served as a producer, writer and the inspiring force behind Paul Harvey News and Comment. Angel was frequently referred to as "The First Lady of Radio," and countless charities benefited from her devotion to philanthropic efforts. She was a friend to all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul, Paul Jr. and the entire Harvey family.
