Robin Ayers, entertainment reporter and KBLA 1580 radio host, dies at 44

Robin Ayers, entertainment reporter, author and beloved KBLA radio host, died on Thursday, Dec. 5 at age 44.

Ayers’ death was confirmed in a statement posted to social media by her colleagues on Friday.

“On behalf of her precious family, it is with profound sadness that KBLA Talk 1580 announces the passing of our beloved colleague Robin Ayers on Thursday, December 05,” the radio station wrote on Meta, formerly known as Facebook.

“Robin was a bright light. You could see her radiant smile through the radio. We all respected her immense talent, loved her jovial spirit, celebrated her love of family, and honored her faith in God. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robin’s entire family, most especially her husband, Rob and her twin daughters, Brooklyn and Madison. We ask you to join us in praying for the Ayers family as they navigate the difficult days ahead. At the appropriate time, KBLA Talk 1580 will offer a special tribute to Robin.”

Ayers worked in radio and as a reporter for nearly a decade. She started at Afterbuzz TV as a podcast host in August 2016 and worked there until 2019 before working as an entertainment reporter at theJasmineBRAND. She also previously worked as a reporter and entertainment news correspondent for EURweb, which put out a statement after learning of Ayer’s passing.

“With heavy hearts, the entertainment journalism community mourns the passing of Robin Ayers,” the statement said. “Robin, known for her vibrant personality and passion for storytelling, died leaving a significant void in the entertainment journalism and broadcasting…Robin has been a vital part of the EURweb family since around 2015, where she left a lasting impact through her insightful reporting and engaging presence.”

The publisher of EURweb, Lee Bailey, also wrote a personal statement to include in the EURweb post.

“Along with the EURweb staff/family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Robin Ayers. Her passion for storytelling and unwavering commitment to truth brought depth and authenticity to her work,” he wrote. “She was not just a colleague but a friend, and her impact on EURweb and the lives she touched will never be forgotten.”

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Ayers joined KBLA in 2022 as the host of “The RA Report with Robin Ayers,” which aired weekdays from 6 to 7 p.m. on 1508 AM, where she discussed pop culture and entertainment topics. The Friday, Dec. 6, show allowed fans to call in, share their memories, and offer condolences.

The beloved radio host’s cause of death was not officially disclosed. However, Ayers had been public about her battle with leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that grows in smooth muscles. In May, Ayers posted a snippet of a 2021 interview on Instagram where she spoke to record executive and cancer survivor Mathew Knowles.

“I had no idea when I had this conversation with @mrmathewknowles in 2021 that I would ever encounter my own battle with leiomyosarcoma cancer,” Ayers wrote. “Maybe somewhere subconsciously, he had already laid the foundation of belief that we have to go through things in order to grow, change and modify our behavior and habits. As long as I breathe I will create awareness around health and advocacy. Thank you again to @mrmathewknowles for this incredibly memorable discussion. I learned a lot this day.”

In July, Ayers spoke to author and essayist Faye McCray about her diagnosis and the high rates of misdiagnosis for Black people and people of color.

“As soon as I left the doctor’s office after my diagnosis, I started handling my business, which was praying to God and letting the most important people know. I didn’t let it shake me because it didn’t belong to me,” Ayers said in the interview.

Ayers often posted positive affirmation cards and other motivational content on her social media. In her last Instagram posts, several celebrities, fans, and listeners continued to comment on how she impacted them.

Actress and singer-songwriter Christina Millian wrote, “Robin.. thank you. Thank you for your smile, the laughter and the moments we shared. It doesn’t even feel right saying this, my heart is broken.😢 May your love pour thru and bring strength to Robbie, the Girls and your whole family. You followed your dreams and really did it from the ground up. We’re all proud of you. You left a mark in our hearts, and you will be missed. Rest peacefully 🕊️”

Comedian, actor and former “Saturday Night Live” alum Jay Pharaoh commented and wrote, “Heart broken, I pray to see you again one day in the kingdom, my sister, Rest peacefully 🕊🕊.”

Robin Ayers is survived by her husband, Rob, and twin daughters, Brooklyn and Madison, who celebrated their 18th birthdays over Thanksgiving break.