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'True champion for women': Beloved  WINS news anchor Sandi Klein dies at 73 after 15-year battle with cancer

Sandi Klein spent 19 years working for the New York City radio station WINS. She quit in 2012 and became the host of the 'Sandi Klein Show' podcast

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Legendary news anchor Sandi Klein has died after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to her family. The 73-year-old died on October 14 - two days after entering hospice care. 

Klein spent 19 years working for the New York City radio station WINS. She quit in 2012 and became the host of the 'Sandi Klein Show' podcast.

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For 15 years, Klein had been battling carcinoid syndrome, a type of neuroendocrine cancer. As soon as word of Klein's passing spread, tributes poured in. Author Lisa Fantino said, "RIP dear Sandi Klein. You brought so much positivity to the NYC airwaves. An honor to be your guest." Dave Stewart, a radio broadcaster, expressed his "sadness" at learning of Klein's death. He said: "I loved working with her at WPLJ in the early '90s. Sandi was wonderful both on and off the air. I'll never forget the night she had a bunch of us over to the house for a hilariously raucous party."

Last Monday, the 'Sandi Klein Show's Twitter account announced that she had been receiving hospice care.

Sandi's family had also set up a site to post updates on her condition. AFter news of her death, her fans flocked to Twitter to express their condolences.

@alizasherman tweeted: "I spoke with Sandi Klein for the @SandiKleinShow, Conversations with Creative Women. I heard she is in hospice now. Sending love and light and gratitude for our conversation". Another user tweeted, "This is tragic. She was a great woman." Another user said, "So very sorry to hear this. We had just met on my interview with her this summer and her warmth and empathy was extraordinary in an interviewer. I know she will be missed." Another user tweeted, "I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. Sandi was so kind and welcoming to me during our interview a few years ago—she was a true champion for women. Sending much love and light to her family during this most difficult time."

A heartbreaking blog post on the site set up by the family said, "With a heavy heart, we share some news with you all. Our tremendous host, who we all know and love – Sandi Klein – has been battling, and for nearly 15 years triumphing over, carcinoid syndrome, a devastating neuroendocrine cancer. She has lived life so vibrantly during that time and has shared many wonderful, life-affirming experiences, connections, and conversations with all of you."

According to the post, Klein's illness struggle had gotten "much more difficult" over the past 12 months.  

On October 15, Matt Klein, Sandi's son, posted the latest journal entry on caringbridge.org, talking about Sandi's death and how she remains "evergreen". It reads, "At about 8:00 PM on Friday the 14th Sandi died, peacefully and surrounded by family. She has been so well attended to, taken care of, reassured, and loved. Her body is no longer with us, but she has given every single one of us the ability to continue to experience her forever,  even for those of us who have yet to meet her. Sandi is evergreen."