Broadcast legend Melanie Lawson has announced she will retire from ABC13 after a trailblazing 43-year career. A fixture of Houston news since 1982, the Emmy Award-winning anchor will deliver her final broadcast on January 31, 2026.
She said, "I am deeply grateful to the people of Houston for allowing me into their homes and for trusting me to share their stories for more than four decades," Lawson said in a statement. Throughout her career, Lawson became one of the city's most respected voices, covering everything from local neighborhood triumphs to major national milestones.”
Putting Family First While Embracing a Meaningful New Chapter
For more than four decades, Melanie Lawson's life followed the rhythm of the newsroom—early mornings, late nights, breaking news alerts and a constant responsibility to be present for a city that relied on her voice. Retirement, for him, was not a sudden decision or a dramatic departure. It was a thoughtful, deeply personal choice shaped by reflection, gratitude, and the understanding that time is a resource that cannot be reclaimed.
When she walked away from the anchor desk, Melanie did so with clarity rather than hesitation. Family was always central to her life, while her schedule demanded sacrifices. Retirement became an opportunity to reclaim moments that were once measured in minutes between broadcasts. It meant slow mornings, mindless conversations, and choosing the freedom to exist outside the rigid framework of live television.
This transition also brought about a change in identity. Over the years, viewers have associated her with reliability, authority, and calm during times of uncertainty. Entering a new chapter means redefining yourself not as a public figure, but as a woman embracing presence, curiosity and comfort. It wasn't about leaving something behind—it was about making room for what comes next.
Instead of closing a door, Melanie Lawson opened one. The future now has room for personal growth, intimate relationships, and experiences unshaped by deadlines. It's a chapter written with intention, not obligation, and one that reflects the same wisdom and grace she carried throughout her career.
Guided by Love: The Lasting Influence of Her Parents’ Relationship
Long before Melanie Lawson became a familiar face on television, she was a daughter who witnessed the quiet power of enduring love. Her parents' relationship was a living example of a commitment built not on grand gestures, but on stability, respect and shared values. Their bond shaped her understanding of faith and perseverance, lessons that would later guide her both personally and professionally.
She often reflected on how their partnership demonstrated strength through stability. They showed her that longevity – whether in marriage or in life's work – comes from showing up even when it's inconvenient. This foundation influenced him in the way he faced challenges, teaching him patience and resilience long before he faced the pressures of public life.
The influence of his parents extended far beyond the emotional basis. It developed a moral compass that guided its decisions and interactions. She learned that credibility is earned slowly, and honesty matters most when no one is watching. These lessons became evident in his journalism, where objectivity and clarity were always prioritized over pretense.
Even as the world around him evolved, the values shaped by his upbringing remained constant. In moments of uncertainty, she returned to those early lessons – honor your words, treat people with respect and be steadfast in who you are. That quiet legacy became one of his greatest strengths.
A Steady Partnership: Life and Support With Husband John Guess
Behind Melanie Lawson's long and busy career was a strong partnership built on understanding, patience, and quiet strength. She was married to John Guess Jr., who was a steady and supportive partner in her life, away from the public eye. While much of their relationship stayed private, it was steady and calm, which was really important in a job that had long hours and a lot of public attention.
There isn't a specific wedding date listed for Melanie and John's marriage in public records, which shows they preferred to keep their personal life away from the spotlight. However, it's clear that John was there for her through the later parts of her career. In a field where work often takes a lot out of personal relationships, their support gave her a sense of stability and calm.
Melanie was previously married to Geary G. Broadnax, whom she married on December 13, 1986. That marriage ended in divorce, but it helped shape her view of resilience and personal growth. That experience didn't define her, but it helped shape the way she approached later relationships—with emotional presence, trust, and respect.
John Guess understood the challenges of her job and the sacrifices it required. His support wasn't showy or public; it was in the everyday things that helped make a tough life manageable—being flexible, encouraging, and patient.
As Melanie moves into retirement, her relationship with John is entering a new stage. It's less about fitting into schedules and more about spending time together and reflecting on their shared journey. This change isn't an end, but a new chapter: a life filled with hard work now opening up to a time of being present, working together, and exploring new possibilities.
A Remarkable Career Marked by Awards, Recognition, and Excellence
Melanie Lawson's career is a special example of how someone can stay relevant and successful in broadcast journalism for a long time. She spent over forty years at ABC13 in Houston, building a career that was all about staying consistent, growing, and doing her best. She started her journey in a simple way, moving up through hard work and discipline instead of just chasing big goals.
During all those years, she reported on many important events in the city—like big storms, elections, social changes, and community successes. She always told her stories calmly and carefully, which helped her build a reputation for thoughtful and trustworthy reporting. She won several awards, including multiple Emmys, but those weren’t what drove her. For Melanie, the joy came from doing the work itself.
What made her different was her ability to stay flexible without losing her values. As the media world changed and people’s trust in the news sometimes wavered, she kept her focus on truth and fairness. Her presence became a symbol of reliability in an industry that often changes fast.
Beyond the praise and awards, her career showed others what real professionalism looks like. Melanie Lawson showed that you can be successful without trying to shock or impress, that you can lead without needing to show off, and that you can stay relevant without giving up what you believe in.
A Trusted Presence: The Voice Viewers Relied On for Decades
Trust takes time to build, and Melanie Lawson knew this well. Over many years, she grew to be trusted by her viewers, who looked to her not only for news but also for comfort. When things got tough, her calm and clear speaking helped people feel more sure. When things were unclear, her voice gave people a sense of stability.
Viewers connected with her in a real way, beyond just watching her on TV. Melanie Lawson became part of their everyday lives, present during important times. This trust came from her being reliable—always ready, always calm, and always treating her audience with respect.
Melanie also built strong ties with the community in other ways. She met people not just as a news anchor, but as a neighbor. This mutual respect helped create a real connection between her and her audience, one based on being true to herself rather than just putting on a show.
Now that she's leaving the anchor desk, her voice is no longer heard every day—but her impact is still there. The standards she helped set are still part of the newsroom, and the trust she built will always be a reminder of how she worked. Melanie Lawson leaves behind more than just memories; she leaves behind a lasting example of honesty, kindness, and dignity that will continue to be remembered.