TEXOMA ( KFDX/KJTL ) — It’s not every day you meet someone who is described across the board as genuinely kindhearted and passionately dedicated to goodness.

But, when it comes to Evening Anchor Lauren Linville , these traits seem to come naturally.

“She shows up when I need her. She’s one of the most kindhearted, selfless people that you’ll ever meet. [It was] such a blessing that she came into my life when I moved here,” Morning Anchor Carney Porter said. “It was something I hoped I’d find. I had hoped that I’d find a friend like her whenever I moved here.”

Beloved by all at KFDX, Linville’s five years at the station will be coming to a bittersweet end on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

After recently getting engaged, Linville plans to pursue the next chapter of her life as she gets married next month and moves back to her hometown of Fort Worth.

“I’ve had such an amazing almost five years here in Texoma,” Linville said. “The people here, they’re like no one else in the world. They are the kindest, most welcoming people. I’m very sad. To leave is extremely bittersweet for me. It’s going to be fun to go home and be closer to my family, but I will be back to visit quite often because I think of Texoma now as my home away from home.”

While emotions are certainly high during this transition, fellow Evening Anchor Darrell Franklin reminisced on his past five years with Linville, citing her dedication to growth as an undeniable inspiration for the ages.

“When Lauren came to KFDX, it was one of those things you don’t see very often,” Franklin said. “That is, a reporter just hitting the ground running from the very beginning. I was amazed at Lauren from the very start.” There was no question when the main anchor spot opened up that she would get it first. I was really excited and hopeful that she would want [it]. Thankfully, she did. I gained a great friend after that. I’m so thankful that she took that position.”

Linville moved to Texoma in 2019 after graduating from The University of Oklahoma .

Initially signing just a two-year contract, the anchor said that encouragement from Franklin and KFDX’s late news director, Adam Bradshaw , pushed her to accomplish difficult feats she once thought impossible.

“Being on the desk for the first time was nerve-wracking. I was terrified, and you could hear it in my voice. You could see it in my face, just complete nerves,” Linville said. “But after that repetition, [I got] a little more comfortable. It’s been quite the experience to get to do it. Now, I feel like this is second nature to me.”

From nightly newscasts to reporting aboard an old military cargo plane, unstrapped, Linville said these past five years have been an adventure for her.

While Linville’s next job in Fort Worth won’t be in the news industry, the lessons she’s learned and the confidence she’s gained will propel her to success wherever she lives.

“One of the biggest lessons learned for me was how important it is to invest in the community that you’re living in,” Linville said. “I came here not knowing really anyone. A big lesson I learned was that if you don’t put yourself out there and don’t get involved in things, you’re going to get left behind.”

Though Linville has learned great lessons through experience, her friends and coworkers are certain her innate skills will take her even further.

“You’re someone who’s such a leader and natural leader,” Porter said, addressing Linville. “You’re just going to succeed. I have no doubt in it. I’m sad you’re not going to be here. Obviously, it’s going to leave a little bit of a hole in my heart, but I’m putting my selfish reasons aside. I’m so excited for the new chapter in the life that you’re about to take on.”

And, soon, Linville will embark on her next great adventure, something everyone at KFDX is eager to witness from the sidelines.

“I didn’t see it coming. But then again, it’s worth it because I’m so excited for her, and she’s going on with her life now,” Franklin said. “Her whole life is ahead of her — their lives are ahead of them. I just could not be happier for her and so happy that we’ve had the time that we’ve had with her.”

Though weekend trips to the nail salon and Sunday Veg Nights with Porter may be coming to an end for now, Linville said she plans to visit often and will remain active on social media.

“I just can’t thank everyone here for the opportunities I’ve received and for the friendships and the family that they’ve become to me,” Linville said. “I’m excited for the future of KFDX and sad I won’t be a part of it, but I’ll be here in spirit… Please keep in touch.”

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