Roz Varon is 68 years old as of October 2026. Born on November 25, 1957, she is a retired American journalist best known for her 35-year career at ABC7 Chicago. From pioneering television traffic reporting to overcoming breast cancer, Varon has experienced remarkable professional success and personal challenges. Her story also includes four marriages, the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Sara Beth Janz, and a new chapter focused on family, writing, and charitable work.
Profile Bio
| Profile Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rosalyn “Roz” Varon |
| Age (2026) | 68 years old |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1957 (reported) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approximately 5’7″ (170 cm), unverified estimate |
| Profession | Journalist, former traffic anchor, author |
| Education | Columbia College Chicago |
| Marital Status | Divorced (four marriages) |
| Former Husband | Glenn Kedzie |
| Children | Sara Beth Janz (1995–2025) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $1–2 million (unofficial) |
| Famous For | 35-year career at ABC7 Chicago |
Who Is Roz Varon?
Roz Varon is an American journalist, former traffic anchor, author, and television personality. She became a familiar face across Chicago after joining ABC7 News in April 1989.
Before television, she spent approximately nine years working in radio traffic reporting. Her friendly personality, broadcasting experience, and understanding of Chicago’s transportation system helped establish her reputation as a trusted local journalist.
Roz Varon Age and Birthday
Roz Varon is 68 years old in 2026 and will celebrate her 69th birthday on November 25. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1957.
Her age is supported by a February 2024 Chicago Sun-Times report that identified her as 66. Although some biography websites contain conflicting birth dates, November 25 is the commonly reported birthday.
Early Life and Education
Varon grew up in the Chicago area and attended Maine East High School, graduating in 1975. She later studied at Columbia College Chicago, earning a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communications in 1980.
Her education helped prepare her for a career in broadcasting. After gaining experience in radio, she transitioned into television and eventually became one of Chicago’s most recognizable morning news personalities.
Roz Varon Family and Parents
Roz Varon has maintained strong family connections throughout her life. Although detailed information about her parents remains limited, she has frequently discussed the importance of family in her personal writing.
Her sister, Pam, has been particularly supportive during difficult times. Varon described relying on her sister following the death of her daughter, highlighting their close relationship and the importance of family support.
Roz Varon Marriages and Husband
Roz Varon has been married and divorced four times, as she explained in an April 2025 personal essay. One of her former husbands is Glenn Kedzie, whom she married in June 2005.
The couple celebrated their wedding in Chicago before honeymooning in Hawaii. Kedzie supported her during breast cancer treatment, but their marriage eventually ended. Varon has not extensively discussed the circumstances surrounding their divorce.
Roz Varon Daughter
Roz Varon’s only daughter, Sara Beth Janz, was born in 1995 and shared a close relationship with her mother. Sara developed an interest in media production and briefly worked at WLS-TV.
She later married and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sadly, Sara died unexpectedly on January 1, 2025, at age 29, following a recent illness and medical complication.
Remembering Sara Beth Janz
The death of her daughter profoundly changed Varon’s life. She has shared personal reflections about grief, family memories, and the emotional challenges of losing her only child.
To preserve Sara’s legacy, she established the Sara Janz “Take Your Shot” Memorial Scholarship. The initiative supports aspiring media professionals and reflects Sara’s interest in broadcasting, photography, and creative storytelling.
Roz Varon Height and Appearance
Roz Varon is known for her short blonde hairstyle, expressive personality, and polished television appearance.
Some online biographies suggest that she stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, although this measurement lacks a reliable professional source. Her exact weight and body measurements are similarly undocumented.
Throughout her career, her confident presentation and approachable reporting style helped make her recognizable to Chicago viewers.
Roz Varon Net Worth in 2026
Roz Varon’s net worth is often estimated online at approximately $1 million to $2 million in 2026, although these figures are speculative rather than based on disclosed financial records.
Her primary professional earnings came from her long broadcasting career at ABC7 Chicago. Additional opportunities have included book publishing and public speaking. Her exact salary, investments, and personal assets have not been disclosed.
Roz Varon Career at ABC7 Chicago
Varon joined ABC7 Chicago in April 1989, becoming the city’s first morning television traffic reporter. Her experience in radio helped her introduce traffic reporting to a television audience.
Over the following 35 years, she covered road conditions, transportation projects, traffic safety, and community events. She also created the Weekender series, highlighting entertainment and activities throughout the Chicago area.
Awards and Achievements
Roz Varon received multiple Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards and Peter Lisagor Awards for her contributions to journalism.
She also received the Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award for Faces of Inspiration, a program focused on breast cancer awareness.
Her additional honors include the Girl Scouts of the USA Thanks Badge and recognition for her longstanding service to Chicago’s broadcasting community.
Roz Varon Cancer Journey
In July 2006, Varon was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. After receiving treatment and seeking additional medical opinions, she entered remission in January 2007, according to her personal account.
In 2013, she experienced another diagnosis involving Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Her experiences inspired her involvement in cancer education, awareness campaigns, and motivational speaking.
Why Did Roz Varon Retire?
Roz Varon retired from ABC7 Chicago on April 5, 2024, completing an impressive 35-year broadcasting career.
After decades of early morning schedules, she wanted more time for travel, family, personal interests, and community activities. Her retirement marked the end of a significant chapter in Chicago television, where she had become a familiar presence for generations of commuters.
Roz Varon Life After Retirement
Following retirement, Varon continued writing, traveling, and participating in charitable activities. However, the death of her daughter in January 2025 changed many of her personal plans.
She has since focused on preserving Sara’s memory through the memorial scholarship while sharing reflections about grief and family. Her personal website remains an important platform for her writing and community involvement.
Lifestyle and Personal Interests
Roz Varon enjoys traveling, photography, theater, and spending time with animals. Her love of exploring new destinations inspired her book, On the Road with Roz: Adventures in Travel and Life.
She has also supported animal welfare organizations and participated in community events. These interests remain important parts of her life beyond broadcasting, reflecting her enthusiasm for travel, creativity, and meaningful personal connections.
Roz Varon Social Media
Varon has maintained an online presence through Instagram, Facebook, X, and her personal website.
Her social media activity has included travel photographs, television memories, charitable events, and personal reflections. She also shares updates about the Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship.
Readers can follow her longer personal stories through her official website, RozVaron.com, where she continues publishing articles about life and family.
Interesting Facts About Roz Varon
- She became Chicago’s first morning television traffic reporter in 1989.
- She spent 35 years working at ABC7 Chicago.
- She graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 1980.
- She has received multiple Emmy Awards.
- She is the author of On the Road with Roz.
- She has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness.
- She established a memorial scholarship honoring her daughter.
Final Thoughts
Roz Varon is 68 years old in 2026, and her remarkable life extends far beyond her successful television career. She spent 35 years at ABC7 Chicago, helped transform morning traffic reporting, and received numerous journalism awards.
Her personal journey has included four marriages, serious health challenges, and the heartbreaking loss of her daughter. Today, she continues honoring Sara’s memory through charitable work while sharing her experiences through writing and community activities.
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FAQs
How old is Roz Varon in 2026?
Roz Varon is 68 years old as of October 2026. She was reportedly born on November 25, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, and will turn 69 in November.
How many times has Roz Varon been married?
Roz Varon has been married and divorced four times. She confirmed her marriage history in a personal essay published in April 2025. Glenn Kedzie is one of her former husbands.
What happened to Roz Varon’s daughter?
Her only daughter, Sara Beth Janz, died unexpectedly on January 1, 2025, at age 29, following a recent illness and medical complication. Varon later established a memorial scholarship in her honor.
What is Roz Varon’s net worth in 2026?
Roz Varon’s net worth is commonly estimated at $1 million to $2 million. These are unofficial estimates, with her 35-year television career considered her primary source of professional earnings.
Why did Roz Varon leave ABC7 Chicago?
Roz Varon retired on April 5, 2024, after 35 years at ABC7 Chicago. She wanted more time for family, traveling, and personal interests after decades of early morning broadcasting.
