Tracy Butler is an esteemed American meteorologist known for her long-standing tenure at ABC 7 Chicago’s WLS-TV, where she has delivered accurate and trusted weather forecasts to millions. Celebrated as Chicago’s longest-running female meteorologist, Butler’s professionalism, warmth, and community involvement have earned her recognition across broadcasting and civic platforms.
In addition to on-air weather forecasts, she contributes to ESPN 1000 Radio, serves as a yearly contributor to the Chicago Auto Show, and co-hosts events like the Chicago Air & Water Show and All-Star Shootout Golf Show. Her passion for education is reflected in her Weather Sketcher’s Club, which inspires children to send art-based weather drawings that occasionally air on ABC 7 News This Morning.
With more than three decades of experience, Butler has become a staple of Chicago broadcasting. Her journey—from early local stations to Good Morning America fill-ins and ultimately to her flagship role—highlights both her dedication and adaptability.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Tracy Butler’s age, background, personal life, career, net worth (2021 -2025), income sources, lifestyle, hobbies, fun facts, prospects, social media impact, and answers to frequently asked questions. The tone is human-like and highly readable, optimized for SEO yet avoiding keyword stuffing. We naturally include LSI keywords such as “Tracy Butler daughters,” “Tracy Butler husband,” “Tracy Butler net worth,” “Tracy Butler salary,” and “Tracy Butler Parkinson’s” within relevant contexts.
Who is Tracy Butler?
Tracy Butler is an American meteorologist and television personality, best known for her role at ABC 7 News This Morning and as a meteorologist for the station’s 11 AM newscast. She has also provided weather reports on ESPN 1000 Radio and served as a fill-in weather anchor on Good Morning America from 1993 to 2002
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Tracy Butler |
| Birth Date | March 20 (year not officially disclosed; estimated c. 1973–1975) |
| Age (2025) | Approx. 52 years (born March 20, 1973, per some sources) |
| Ethnicity | White American |
| Height | ~5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 55 kg (estimated from some profiles) |
| Eye Color | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Brown (photos suggest their shade) |
| Body Type | Average build |
| Education | B.S. in Broadcasting, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Meteorology certification, Mississippi State University (2001) |
| Career | ABC 7 Chicago meteorologist since 1994/95; Good Morning America fill-in (1993–2002); prior roles at WRIC (Richmond), WFMJ (Youngstown), WTRF (Wheeling) from 1988–1993 |
| Family | Married to Michael Butler since 1992; two daughters: Crystina and Cassandra |
| Net Worth (est.) | $1 million – $3 million (as of mid-2020s) |
Through her community engagement, broadcast excellence, and consistent presence in Chicago media, Tracy Butler is a Figure recognized for both accuracy and empathy. She maintains a balance between her personal life, family, public service, and career.
Early Life and Background
- Tracy Butler was born on March 20 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, although the exact year is generally withheld—many reliable sources suggest 1973 or the early 1970s.
- Growing up in Pittsburgh, she was raised in a family that encouraged education and community involvement. Though specific details about her parents and siblings remain private, interviews hint that her father may have served in the U.S. military.
- Butler showed early interest in broadcasting and the sciences. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, merging her passion for communication with technical know-how.
- Driven to specialize, she earned her meteorology certification from Mississippi State University in 2001, formalizing her expertise in weather science and forecasting.
- Her early exposure to diverse communities and educational institutions set the stage for a career combining scientific accuracy with approachable presentation—skills that would define her broadcasting career in Chicago.
Personal Life and Relationships
- Tracy Butler has been happily married to Michael Butler since 1992, after meeting on a blind date arranged by her cousin. Michael worked as a personal training studio owner when they began dating.
- Their engagement took place at the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh, and the wedding followed later the same year. Their September 5, 1992, anniversary is occasionally celebrated publicly.
- The couple has two daughters: Cassandra (born around 2002) and Crystina (born around 2005). As of 2025, they are roughly in their early 20s and late teens and are active in competitive sports such as tennis and golf.
- Tracy often participates in family sports activities, playing golf or tennis alongside her daughters, fostering both fitness and bonding within the family.
- Butler is known to maintain strict privacy regarding her personal and family life; she does not frequently share personal details or social media updates involving her loved ones.
Career and Achievement
Tracy Butler’s career trajectory is marked by progression, longevity, and diversification:
- 1988: Began as a weathercaster at WTRF‑TV in Wheeling, West Virginia, for her broadcasting debut.
- 1988–1991: Served as the chief weather anchor at WFMJ‑TV in Youngstown, Ohio—a promotion recognizing her rapid growth.
- 1992–1993: Moved to WRIC‑TV in Richmond, Virginia, anchoring morning and midday forecasts while expanding her on-air presence.
- 1993–2002: Worked as a fill-in weather anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America, expanding her national profile.
- 1994/95–present: Joined WLS‑TV (ABC 7 Chicago), quickly rising to become the station’s meteorologist for News This Morning and the 11 AM newscast. She also provides forecasts for ESPN 1000 Radio.
- She is Chicago’s longest-running female meteorologist, recognized for her reliability, experience, and community trust.
- Participates in high-visibility events, such as the Chicago Auto Show and the Chicago Air & Water Show, as well as charity golf outings like the Duke Classic, which honors ABC 7’s late cameraman, raising funds for causes including the Wounded Warrior Project and local food banks (over $100,000).
- Initiated the Weather Sketcher’s Club, engaging children in creative weather education by airing kids’ weather drawings during broadcasts.
- Received numerous recognitions: an Emmy Award (2014, Weather Team for “Surviving the Storm”), Illinois Treasurer’s Public Service Award, and Public Education Award from the Illinois Chapter of the MS Society.
Net Worth Overview
Here’s a summary of Tracy Butler’s estimated net worth and projected income over the past five years:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Estimated Annual Income | Estimated Monthly Income |
| 2021 | $1.0M | $80,000 | $6,667 |
| 2022 | $1.2M | $85,000 | $7,083 |
| 2023 | $1.5M | $90,000 | $7,500 |
| 2024 | $1.8M | $95,000 | $7,917 |
| 2025 | $2.1M | $100,000 | $8,333 |
These estimates are based on reported salary ranges ($ 50,000 to $ 150,000 annually) and accumulated earnings from decades of broadcast work, contributions, and modest investments.
This table offers a transparent snapshot of her financial status, reflecting steady growth consistent with experience, seniority, and media presence.
Major Sources of Income
- ABC 7 Chicago Salary
- As the station’s meteorologist for both morning and mid-morning newscasts, Butler earns a significant broadcast salary. Industry estimates place her annual compensation between $80,000 and $120,000, depending on her experience and contract terms.
- ESPN 1000 Radio Weather Updates
- Her regular appearances delivering weather reports on the radio provide supplemental income.
- Event Appearances & Special Broadcasts
- Hosting and contributing to high-profile events, such as the Chicago Auto Show, Chicago Air & Water Show, and golf outings, can offer additional honorariums or stipends.
- Community and Educational Initiatives
- While volunteer-based, her leadership in initiatives like Weather Sketcher’s Club raises her professional profile and can translate into sponsored partnerships.
- Speaking Engagements and Panels
- Given her veteran status, she is occasionally invited to speak at public events, charity functions, or meteorology seminars—a potential source of income or compensation.
These varied income streams combine to support her modest yet stable financial profile.
Tracy Butler’s Luxurious Lifestyle
Though Tracy Butler is not known for extravagance, her professional stability and public visibility allow for a comfortable lifestyle:
- Residential Life: Butler resides in a family-friendly neighborhood in Northern Chicago. While specifics remain private, her home reflects an upper-middle-class lifestyle consistent with that of a seasoned broadcast journalist.
- Family Activities: The Butler family enjoys active leisure time, including golf outings, tennis matches, and attending local sporting events together.
- Travel and Vacations: Though rarely shared publicly, occasional family trips to sporting destinations or scenic locales are likely part of their routine.
- Philanthropy Involvement: Her role in organizing charitable golf outings, fundraising events, and children’s initiatives positions her as a community influencer with a purpose-driven lifestyle.
- Public Engagements: Her hosting roles and presence at major Chicago events reflect a semi-public, socially engaged lifestyle rooted in professional and philanthropic commitments.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
- Golf Enthusiast: Tracy is an avid golfer who supports and participates in charity golf events, such as the Duke Classic, which she co-founded in memory of a colleague. This event raises substantial funds for causes like the Wounded Warrior Project.
- Tennis Lover: Both her daughters play competitive tennis, and Tracy often joins them on the court—not just as a fan, but as an active participant.
- Weather Sketcher’s Club Founder: She launched this initiative to encourage children under 13 to send weather-themed drawings. The best entries are featured during ABC 7 News This Morning, sparking meteorological interest among young people.
- Cancer Survivor and Advocate: Diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2018, she underwent early treatment and by 2019 publicly announced she was cancer-free. Since then, she has emphasized the importance of routine mammogram screenings and shared her experience to raise awareness.
- Longtime On-Air Presence: With more than 30 years on air, Tracy is widely respected for consistency, accuracy, and trustworthiness in broadcast meteorology.
- Animal Lover: Known to have a silver Labrador named Bailey, featured occasionally in social media or local mentions.
- Community Recognition: Recipient of the Illinois Treasurer’s Public Service Award, the Public Education Award from the MS Society’s Illinois chapter, and a team Emmy Award for “Surviving the Storm” in 2014.
These fun facts showcase Tracy as a person who balances professionalism, family, health advocacy, and community engagement.
Future Prospects
- Mentorship and Educational Outreach: Her continued support of initiatives like the Weather Sketcher’s Club hints at future expansions involving mentorship or even partnerships with schools or children’s media.
- Media and Speaking Opportunities: As a longtime industry veteran, she may expand into public speaking, meteorology seminars, or guest appearances on national platforms.
- Health Advocacy Campaigns: Given her experience as a breast cancer survivor, Tracy may be positioned for roles in public health outreach, particularly around awareness campaigns, mammography, and early detection programs.
- Special Projects and Documentaries: With her expertise and longevity, she could contribute to weather-related documentaries or special reports, partnering with educational or environmental organizations to enhance their impact.
- Gradual Transition to Advisory Roles: In the coming years, she may transition out of daily on-air forecasting into advisory, mentoring, or guest meteorologist capacities as she moves toward semi-retirement.
Impact on Social Media
Tracy Butler maintains a selectively active social media presence across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, with tens of thousands of followers.
- Community Engagement: She utilizes her channels to promote initiatives such as weather sketching programs, health awareness, and charitable events.
- Brand Trust: As a recognized and respected media personality, her social posts reinforce her brand as a reliable meteorologist and community advocate.
- Limited Personal Sharing: She maintains a low-key profile regarding family or personal life, which resonates with her audience’s trust in her professionalism.
- Educational Posts: Occasionally shares weather safety tips, storm preparation advice, or local climate facts—helping raise public awareness rather than seeking attention.
- Inspirational Messaging: Following her recovery from cancer, she shared motivational messages that have resonated with her followers and earned positive responses.
| Platform | Link |
| Wikipedia | Click here |
| Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Tracy Butler?
Tracy Butler celebrates her birthday on March 20. While the exact year isn’t confirmed, reliable sources estimate she was born in 1973, making her about 52 years old in 2025.
2. Who is Tracy Butler’s husband, and how many children does she have?
She married Michael Butler in 1992, after a blind date set up by her cousin. They have two daughters—Cassandra (born circa 2002) and Crystina (born circa 2005)—both of whom are active in tennis and golf.
3. What is Tracy Butler’s net worth and salary?
Her estimated net worth in mid-2025 is around $2–3 million. Her annual salary from ABC 7 Chicago is estimated to be between $80,000 and $120,000, supplemented by radio work and event appearances.
4. Has Tracy Butler ever had any health issues?
In December 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram. She underwent treatment and announced she was cancer-free by September 2019, using her experience to advocate for early detection.
5. What are Tracy Butler’s hobbies?
Her hobbies include golf, tennis, supporting her daughters’ sports, running her Weather Sketcher’s Club, participating in community events, and occasionally traveling and spending time with her family.
6. Is Tracy Butler still working at ABC 7?
As of 2025, she remains an active meteorologist at ABC 7 Chicago, anchoring morning and midday weather segments and contributing to various platforms.
Conclusion
In summary, Tracy Butler is not just a seasoned meteorologist—she is a trusted voice in Chicago broadcasting, balancing decades-long on-air presence with community education, advocacy, and a strong family foundation.
Starting from local stations in West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia in the late 1980s, she gained national prominence through her appearances on Good Morning America. She ultimately became the face of ABC 7 Chicago’s weather. Her courage in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis, her entrepreneurial launch of the Weather Sketcher’s Club, and her long-standing charity work reflect a professional life built on resilience, expertise, and a commitment to service.
Her financial stature—characterized by a steadily growing net worth, multiple income streams, and a comfortable lifestyle—reinforces her stability and reputation. With future potential in mentorship, health advocacy, speaking, or advisory roles, Butler remains a Figure of influence both on and off screen.
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