Quad Cities local TV legend Paula Sands retiring after 41 years at KWQC

Quad Cities local TV legend Paula Sands is saying goodbye this December.

The long-running host of "Paula Sands Live" announced her retirement Monday from the region's NBC affiliate, KWQC, after 41 years, including more than 30 hosting the daytime show.

The variety show introduces viewers to Quad Cities people and places on the Davenport-based station. During an on-air statement, she thanked viewers for their support and likened her goodbye to getting ready for graduation.

"I am retiring at the end of this year. I've been doing this job my whole life, my whole adult life in my hometown and it has been precious and fulfilling beyond words," Sands said. "The privilege of getting to know so many of you."

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'Paula Sands Live' will continue with new name, familiar faces

Sands recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of "Live" on Aug. 30. The Quad Cities native started her career in local TV news as the co-host of "PM Magazine" at KWQC in 1982.

The cooperative-style show featured nationally syndicated programming with other segments led by local co-hosts. At the time, the 23-year-old Sands was the program's youngest local co-host. Later, the show was known as "5PM Live." In 1993, it became "Paula Sands Live."

In her on-air goodbye, Sands said the program will continue under a new name featuring familiar faces from the station, but did not offer specifics.

Sands will depart the station in December. The program airs Monday through Thursday at 3 p.m. on KWQC.

Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: KWQC's Paula Sands, of 'Paula Sands Live,' fame retiring in December