Delilah Opens Up After the Heartbreak of Losing 2 Sons

Delilah, the beloved radio host known for her soothing voice and swoon-worthy love songs, has been a comforting companion to millions for decades. But behind the mic and romance-filled dedications lies a deeply personal story of heartbreak—and resilience.

The nationally syndicated host, dubbed the “Queen of Sappy Love Songs,” recently opened up about the most requested songs on her show and how, after losing two sons, she still manages to spread hope night after night. Her secret? Listening deeply and living fully.

“My brain stores lyrics,” she said. “Sometimes just a line or two. My dad was the same way. You’d say something and he’d sing a line from a song. I do the same—except I let other people sing because, unlike him, I can’t carry a tune.”

Delilah has a knack for picking just the right track for every caller, but she doesn’t just listen to the words—she listens to the whole story. That’s why, she says, she’ll steer a couple celebrating 35 years away from Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” “That’s a breakup song,” she explains. “It’s not the message you want for a happy anniversary.”

Her most requested song used to be Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” but these days, Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” tops the list. “It fits so many situations,” she said.

Behind her comforting on-air presence, Delilah has endured profound loss. In 2012, her 16-year-old son Sammy passed away due to complications from sickle cell anemia. Five years later, her 18-year-old son Zack died by suicide. Despite this unimaginable pain, Delilah continues to show up for her audience, using her grief to connect and comfort others.

“There are nights when I have nothing left,” she shared. “But when someone has a need, and I rise to meet it, I end up the one who’s filled up.”

Even with personal tragedy, Delilah remains a source of strength for her 15 children and many grandchildren. Her faith and family keep her grounded. “They’ll be here long after I’m gone,” she said. “That gives me hope.”

And she believes that everyone—no matter their circumstances—is worthy of love and understanding. “Homeless people, elderly people, the terminally ill. They all have stories. They’re valuable. They matter.”

She’s also deeply concerned about modern life and its digital distractions. “Put the devices down and look someone in the eye,” she urged. “Devices are tools—but they’re not a substitute for real relationships.”

Delilah practices what she preaches. Her teenage daughter uses a flip phone, not a smartphone. “She comes home, does her homework, and spends time with us,” she said.

As someone who’s spent her career connecting people through music, Delilah has one lasting message: Don’t sleepwalk through life staring at a screen.

“Life is precious. Even in the storms, there’s beauty, joy, laughter, and miracles,” she said. “If you’re focused on a screen, you’ll miss the deer at the creek. The world is breathtaking—but you have to be present to see it.”