Cheryl Burton Biography: ABC7 Chicago, Age, Husband, Net Worth

Cheryl Burton Biography: ABC7 Chicago News Anchor Biography, Career & Education

Cheryl Annette Burton is an Emmy Award-winning American broadcast journalist and news anchor best known for her work at WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago).

A native of Chicago’s South Side, Burton has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, marked by excellence in storytelling, community service, and leadership in local news.

Cheryl Burton Early Life and Education:

Burton was born at Provident Hospital and raised on Chicago’s South Side as the fourth of five children. Her mother, Hattie, was a dedicated Chicago Public Schools teacher, while her father, Simpson Burton, served in the U.S. Air Force.

She graduated from Lindblom Technical High School (now Lindblom Math & Science Academy) in 1980 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Burton is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Cheryl Burton Career Timeline:

Early Career:

Before entering journalism, Burton was a contestant on Star Search in the spokesmodel category, a Chicago Honey Bears cheerleader for the Chicago Bears (1983–1986), and host of the cable show Simply Elegant.

Broadcasting Beginnings:

Her broadcasting journey began in 1989 at WGN-TV in Chicago, co-anchoring MBR: The Minority Business Report. She later worked at WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, and KWCH-DT in Wichita, Kansas, where she anchored from 1990 to 1992.

WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago):

Burton joined ABC 7 Chicago in 1992 as a weekend co-anchor and reporter. She was promoted in 2003 to co-anchor the 5 p.m. weekday newscast and later became the 10 p.m. anchor in 2018, succeeding Kathy Brock. She also anchors the 6:30 p.m. digital newscast.

Notable Coverage:

• Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration

• Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy in South Africa

• The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

• The 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis

Awards and Recognition:

Burton is a 17-time Emmy Award winner and recipient of numerous honors, including the NABJ Salute to Excellence International Award and the Thurgood Marshall Award. Her work is celebrated for highlighting underrepresented voices and bringing human stories to life.

Community Involvement:

Deeply committed to giving back, Burton volunteers with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and frequently speaks to students through Chicago Public Schools. In 2007, she was inducted into her high school’s Hall of Fame for her professional achievements and dedication to youth mentorship.

Cheryl Burton Age:

As of 2025, Cheryl Burton was born on December 25, 1962, at Provident Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She is 62 years old. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. She is of African American ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Cheryl Burton Young:

In her youth, Cheryl Burton attended and graduated from Chicago’s Robert Lindblom Math and Science Academy (formerly Lindblom Technical High School) on the South Side, where she was involved in activities like cheerleading and was later inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame as its first alumnus honoree.

She grew up in a nurturing household on Chicago’s South Side, influenced by a close-knit family environment that emphasized education and community.

Her parents, Hattie (a teacher and decorator) and Simpson Burton (a consultant), were both born and raised in the South before settling in Chicago in the 1950s. She has five siblings total: three sisters and one brother (named Bill).

Cheryl Burton Husband:

Cheryl Burton was previously married to Jim Rose, a sports anchor at ABC 7 Chicago, from 1986 to 1995.

They met when she was a cheerleader for the Chicago Bears, and the couple divorced amicably; they remain good friends. She is currently single and not known to be in a public relationship.

Cheryl Burton Children:

Cheryl Burton does not have children. Her personal life has remained focused on her career and public service, and there are no credible reports or records indicating that she is a parent.

Cheryl Burton Height:

Burton stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs approximately 128 pounds (58 kg).

Cheryl Burton ABC 7 Chicago Career Timeline:

1986: Began her broadcasting career after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

This marks the official start of her professional life in television. Graduating from a major state university like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) provided her with a foundational education and likely a degree in a relevant field such as journalism or communications, which is a common prerequisite for entering the competitive field of news broadcasting. Starting in the mid-1980s would have positioned her at the cusp of the digital revolution in newsgathering.

1989: Started at WGN-TV in Chicago as co-anchor of the nationally syndicated “Minority Business Report.”

Her first significant move was joining WGN-TV in Chicago, a major market. The fact that her initial anchor role was on a nationally syndicated program, “Minority Business Report,” is noteworthy.

It suggests that even early in her career, she was recognized for her on-air presence and credibility.

This also provided her with exposure beyond the local Chicago market and experience covering the important topic of minority-owned enterprises.

Early 1990s: Worked as a reporter and anchor at WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, and then at KWCH-TV in Wichita, Kansas.

Like many aspiring broadcasters, she gained crucial, hands-on experience in smaller and mid-sized markets.

Working at WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, and KWCH-TV in Wichita, Kansas, allowed her to hone her skills in every aspect of the job—from reporting in the field to anchoring in the studio.

These positions are essential for learning how to cover a wide range of stories, handle breaking news, and connect with a local audience, preparing her for a return to a major market.

1992: Joined WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago) as a weekend co-anchor and general assignment reporter.

This was a pivotal moment: a return to the Chicago market at a powerhouse station, WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago).

Starting as a weekend co-anchor is a common path for advancement, offering regular anchor experience without the high-stakes pressure of a weekday evening slot.

Her role as a general assignment reporter meant she was actively out in the community, covering diverse stories, which deepened her knowledge of the city and its issues.

1995: Promoted to weekday co-anchor.

A promotion just three years after joining WLS-TV demonstrates her rapid success and effectiveness.

Moving to a weekday co-anchor role, particularly during key newscasts, is a significant career achievement.

It established her as a primary face of the station, increasing her visibility and cementing her position as a trusted source of news for millions of Chicago viewers.

2018: Promoted to anchor the 10 p.m. newscast in addition to the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (streaming) newscasts.

This promotion is the pinnacle of a local news career. The 10 p.m. newscast is traditionally the most-watched and highest-profile late-night news program in the market, often requiring the station’s most experienced and respected anchors.

By taking on the 10 p.m. anchor role while continuing to anchor the 5 p.m. and the 7 p.m. streaming newscast, she became the station’s lead news anchor, responsible for the most critical viewing hours.

The inclusion of a streaming newscast also shows her adaptability to the evolving digital landscape of news consumption.

Present (as of 2025): Continues as a lead anchor at ABC 7 Chicago, marking over 33 years with the station, with multiple Emmy Awards and community-focused specials.

Her current status highlights her remarkable longevity and dedication to WLS-TV, making her one of the most recognizable and trusted figures in Chicago media. A tenure of over 33 years at a single major-market station is extremely rare.

Her multiple Emmy Awards attest to the quality of her journalistic work, while her commitment to community-focused specials underscores her connection to and impact on the local area beyond the daily news cycle. She stands as an institution in Chicago television news.

Cheryl Burton anchors alongside several prominent journalists at ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV).

Her current colleagues include:

• Rob Elgas – Co-anchor with Burton on the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts

• Ravi Baichwal – Co-anchor on select evening broadcasts

• Hosea Sanders – Veteran anchor and reporter; formerly co-anchored with Burton on WCIU-TV’s 7 p.m. newscast

• Karen Jordan – Weekend anchor and reporter

• Judy Hsu – Weekday anchor for the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts

• Terrell Brown – Morning news anchor

• Tanja Babich – Morning news anchor

• Val Warner – Co-host of “Windy City Weekend”

• Roz Varon – Traffic anchor and transportation reporter

These journalists form one of the most experienced and recognizable news teams in Chicago, contributing to ABC7’s longstanding reputation as a top-rated station.

Cheryl Burton Robert Burton:

Robert Burton is Cheryl Burton’s nephew (son of her brother Bill). He is a former morning news anchor at WJLA (ABC 7) in Washington, D.C., where he worked for a decade until July 2024, when he stepped down to focus on family. Additionally, Cheryl has publicly expressed pride in his career and legacy in journalism.

Cheryl Burton Net Worth and Salary:

Cheryl Burton’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million as of 2025, accumulated through her long career in broadcast journalism.

Her annual salary at ABC 7 Chicago is estimated to be between $200,000 and $300,000, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed.

Is Cheryl Burton Married?

No, Cheryl Burton is not currently married; she is single.

How Old Is Cheryl Burton?

Cheryl Burton is 62 years old as of October 15, 2025 (born December 25, 1962).

Who is Cheryl Burton Engaged To?

Cheryl Burton is not currently engaged. While she was previously married to fellow ABC7 Chicago sports anchor Jim Rose from 1986 to 1995, there are no credible or confirmed reports of a current engagement.

Some speculative sources have mentioned names like Matthew Lawrence, but these claims are unverified and not supported by reputable outlets.

What did Mark Giangreco Say about Cheryl Burton?

During a January 28, 2021, sports segment on ABC 7 Chicago, Mark Giangreco jokingly suggested a fictional DIY Network show called “House Fix with Sticks,” where Cheryl Burton could “play the ditzy, combative interior decorator.”

This off-hand remark led to tension, his suspension, and eventual departure from the station, as Burton reportedly felt disrespected.

Did Cheryl Burton Get Married?

Cheryl Burton was married once, to Jim Rose from 1986 to 1995, but has not remarried since their divorce.

Is Cheryl Burton Retiring?

There is no indication that Cheryl Burton is retiring; she continues to actively anchor newscasts at ABC 7 Chicago as of 2025.

Is Cheryl Burton White?

No, Cheryl Burton is not white; she is African American.

How long was Jim Rose Married to Cheryl Burton?

Jim Rose was married to Cheryl Burton for 9 years, from 1986 to 1995.

Where is Cheryl Burton Working?

Cheryl Burton is currently working as a news anchor at ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV). She anchors the station’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts, continuing her long-standing role as one of Chicago’s most trusted and respected journalists.

Summary Table

Cheryl Burton is active on social media. She shares news updates, community stories, and motivational messages on her verified accounts — follow her on Twitter (X) and Facebook.