Alix Kendall Bio: Fox 9 Legacy, Daughter & Life Unscripted Podcast

Alix Kendall: Trading the Teleprompter for the Truth of “Life Unscripted”

For twenty-five years, Alix Kendall was the face of the Twin Cities’ morning routine. As the sun rose over Minneapolis and St. Paul, she was the caffeinated, charismatic anchor of Fox 9 Morning News and the Morning Buzz.

But in June 2025, after a quarter-century of 3:00 AM alarms and high-definition makeup, Alix did the unthinkable in the broadcast world: she walked away at the top of her game.

Today, the veteran journalist isn’t retiring; she’s recalibrating. With the launch of her new podcast, Life Unscripted with Alix Kendall, she is pivoting from the rigid structure of “breaking news” to the messy, beautiful reality of “human stories.”

Whether you’ve followed her since her early days in New Mexico or you’re just discovering her “second act,” this is the story of how Alix Kendall became a local icon and why she chose to start over.

The Woman Behind the Desk: Quick Facts

Why Did Alix Kendall Retire from Fox 9?

The question on every Minnesotan’s mind in mid-2025 was: Why now? Alix’s retirement wasn’t a retreat; it was an intentional exit. After 26 years at KMSP, she expressed a desire to reclaim her time and her voice.

The grueling schedule of morning television—which requires a lifestyle most people would find impossible—had finally met its match in Alix’s desire for deeper connection.

“I’ve spent decades telling stories in three-minute segments,” Alix shared during her final broadcast. “Now, I want to talk until the story is actually finished.”

From Minneapolis to Albuquerque and Back

Alix Kendall is a “hometown girl” through and through. Raised in the Twin Cities, her upbringing was rooted in the Midwest’s values of hard work and community. However, her career path wasn’t a straight line.

Before becoming a staple of Fox 9, she cut her teeth in radio and local TV across various markets. She spent significant time in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Cincinnati, Ohio, honing a style that was less “stiff news reader” and more “trusted neighbor.” When she returned to Minnesota in 1999 to help launch the morning news for KMSP, she brought a warmth that resonated instantly with viewers.

The “Life Unscripted” Pivot

The transition from a high-paying salary at Fox 9—estimated by industry analysts to be in the $200,000 to $300,000 range annually—to being a self-employed podcaster is a bold move.

Life Unscripted with Alix Kendall represents a “Second Act.” The podcast focuses on:

• Mental Health: Moving past the “perfect” TV image.

• Aging Gracefully: Discussing life transitions for women in their 50s and 60s.

• Local Legends: Deep dives with Minnesota figures that news segments couldn’t cover.

“There is a freedom in not having a producer in your ear telling you to wrap it up,” Alix noted in her debut episode.

Personal Life: Husband, Daughter, and Living Well

Alix has always been relatively private about her domestic life, but her fans feel a deep connection to her journey as a mother.

• Is Alix Kendall Married? Currently, Alix is single. She was previously married and has been open about the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with family life.

• Her Daughter: Alix’s daughter, Kaitlyn, is the light of her life. Viewers have watched Alix share snippets of Kaitlyn’s milestones over the years, proving that even a woman waking up at midnight for work can be a present, devoted parent.

• Alix Kendall Weight Loss & Health: Over the years, Alix has been transparent about her fitness journey. Rather than following fad diets, she has championed a lifestyle of consistency, often sharing her love for yoga and outdoor activities in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Salary and Net Worth 2026

While public figures’ exact finances are rarely public record, experts estimate Alix Kendall’s net worth in 2026 to be approximately $1.5 million to $2.5 million.

This wealth wasn’t just built on her anchor salary; it’s the result of decades of media consultancy, public speaking, and savvy career longevity. As she moves into the podcasting space, her “brand equity” remains her most valuable asset. Advertisers are eager to follow her audience, which is notoriously loyal.

A Career Timeline of Excellence

• 1980s: Graduates from the University of Minnesota; begins career in radio.

• 1990s: Reporters and anchors in New Mexico and Ohio.

• July 1999: Joins KMSP Fox 9 in Minneapolis.

• 2010s: Becomes the face of the Morning Buzz, blending lifestyle and hard news.

• June 2025: Delivers her final broadcast to record-breaking local ratings.

• July 2025 – Present: Launches Life Unscripted, reaching the top of local podcast charts.

The Impact of Alix’s Ethnicity and Upbringing

Alix’s Caucasian heritage and deep Minnesota roots allowed her to connect with a broad demographic in the Upper Midwest. However, she was often a voice for diversity on her show, frequently using her platform to highlight entrepreneurs and artists from various backgrounds. Her upbringing, influenced by her mother’s own career in media (her mother was a pioneer in local TV), gave her a “behind-the-scenes” perspective from a young age.

What’s Next for Alix?

As we look toward 2026, Alix Kendall is redefining what it means to “retire.” She is part of a growing trend of “Grey-Collar Creators”—experienced professionals who use their expertise to build independent media empires.

Predictions for the coming year:

1. A Book Deal: Expect a memoir focusing on the “Golden Age” of local news.

2. Live Tours: “Life Unscripted” live tapings at venues like the Pantages Theatre.

3. Mentorship: Increased involvement with the University of Minnesota’s journalism department.

Summary Table: The Legend of Alix Kendall

Sources & Further Reading

1. KMSP-TV Official Archives (1999-2025).

2. The Minneapolis Star Tribune: “Alix Kendall Bids Farewell to Morning Buzz.”

3. University of Minnesota Alumni Spotlight: Alix Kendall.

4. Life Unscripted Podcast Official Website.

5. Broadcast News Monthly: “The Evolution of the Morning Anchor.”

What do you think of Alix’s new podcast? Are you a “Morning Buzz” regular who followed her to the digital world? Share your favorite Alix Kendall memories in the comments below!