Taryn Asher Biography: Emmy-Winning Detroit Journalist, Resilience & Career Journey
Taryn Asher is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist and former longtime evening news anchor at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK).
A Michigan native known for investigative reporting, community commitment, and personal resilience, she spent nearly two decades as a trusted voice on Detroit airwaves before departing the station in late 2025 amid a work-related dispute that later led to a federal sex discrimination lawsuit.
Early Life and Education
Taryn Asher was born on June 14, 1975, in Michigan (sources note Fenton or the broader Detroit area). She is the daughter of Joe Asher and Antoinette Gallo Asher and has two sisters, Amber and Monique.
She graduated from Powers Catholic High School in Flint and earned a dual B.A. in Journalism and Political Science from Michigan State University in 1997.
How old is Taryn Asher? Born June 14, 1975, she is 51 years old as of 2026.
Career Path
Asher began her career after college as an anchor and reporter at WLNS-TV in Lansing. She then spent several years at WJRT ABC 12 in Flint, where she anchored weekend morning news and met her future husband.
In 2007 she joined FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) as an evening news anchor. For nearly 18 years she co-anchored major newscasts (including 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. / The Edge) alongside colleagues such as Roop Raj.
Her reporting has covered politics, crime, health, and community issues. One of her most impactful stories was the investigation into the K2 synthetic drug epidemic in metro Detroit, which contributed to a statewide ban.
She has received multiple Emmy Awards (sources vary between four and ten across her career) from the Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, along with honors from the Associated Press and Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
In late 2025 she was taken off the air. By early 2026 she was no longer with the station.
In June 2026 she filed a federal lawsuit against Fox Television Stations and WJBK alleging sex discrimination and retaliation. The case remains ongoing as of the latest reports.
Personal Life
Taryn Asher married journalist Jason Carr on October 7, 2007. The couple met while working at WJRT in Flint. They have one daughter, Gia (Gianna) Carr, born February 26, 2011.
As of early 2026, Asher stated she was finalizing her divorce from Carr. The family has resided in the Bloomfield Hills / Birmingham area of Oakland County, Michigan.
Health Challenges and Advocacy
In July 2017, while on vacation, Asher experienced severe symptoms she initially attributed to food poisoning.
She was later diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian cyst that caused significant internal bleeding (nearly two liters of blood in her abdomen). She underwent emergency surgery and received blood transfusions.
Shortly afterward she developed a blood clot and was diagnosed with pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue around the heart) caused by a virus.
She publicly shared her experience to encourage others—especially women—to pay attention to their bodies and not ignore symptoms.
(Note: Some earlier biographical summaries mention Guillain-Barré syndrome; the primary documented health crisis she has publicly detailed is the 2017 ruptured cyst and pericarditis.)
Community Involvement
Asher has supported local organizations including Lighthouse of Oakland County, the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS), and other groups focused on housing, families in crisis, and animal welfare. She has also emceed charity events.
FAQ
Is Taryn Asher still at FOX 2 Detroit?
No. She left the station in late 2025 and filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against the station and its parent company in June 2026.
Is Taryn Asher married?
She was married to Jason Carr from 2007; as of early 2026 she stated she was finalizing their divorce. They share a daughter, Gia.
What is Taryn Asher known for?
Investigative reporting (notably the K2 synthetic drug crackdown), Emmy-winning journalism, and long tenure as a FOX 2 Detroit evening anchor.
Does Taryn Asher have children?
Yes — one daughter, Gia Carr (born 2011).
Taryn Asher built a distinguished career rooted in Michigan journalism, marked by award-winning investigative work and a strong connection to Detroit viewers. Her public openness about health challenges and family life further strengthened that bond. As of mid-2026 she continues to navigate professional and personal transitions while remaining a recognized figure in Michigan media.
Sources:
FOX 2 Detroit archives, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Deadline Detroit, and consistent biographical reporting (updated through mid-2026).
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