NEW ORLEANS — Legendary WWL anchor Eric Paulsen passed away on Saturday after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 74 years old. Paulsen was a fixture on New Orleans television for more than 40 years. Condolences poured in from loved ones, city and state officials, and those that watched him through the years.
Governor Jeff Landry shared his condolences in a statement on X saying, "Sharon and I are saddened to hear of Eric Paulsen’s passing. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to journalism in the city of New Orleans. He was a legendary anchor. He will be missed by all."
WWL Louisiana's Meg Farris shared a heartwarming message about her and Paulsen's nearly 44-year friendship.
"I am absolutely overwhelmed by how wonderful and caring the people of New Orleans are. Standing in the grocery store line today, several people, who I don't know, just came up and gave me a hug to say that they love Eric Paulsen, and that they are thinking about all of us at Channel 4. How amazing everyone is. I've been on the phone with long time Channel 4 co-workers and former co-workers from all over the country since our Eric passed away this morning. And one of them said to me that we are, in many ways, even closer than family. And we are! So, I have to be happy with how fortunate I am to have coworkers who I love and are so giving. What also amazed me, in his final days, is former co-workers who were keeping vigil by Eric's side, bringing him to doctors' appointments and being there for his family. While heartbroken and in disbelief, I am just so blessed to be part of this incredible group of people and very fortunate to have known Eric for 43.5 years."
Louisiana State Senator, Royce Duplessis, District 5
It will be hard to imagine waking up to the news without the iconic and legendary presence of Eric Paulsen. I’m honored to have been able to know and work with him. We are extending our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.
Councilmember Oliver Thomas
"It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a true New Orleans legend, Eric Paulsen. For more than 40 years, @ericpaulsen4 was the face and voice of WWL-TV, waking us up every morning with his wit, charm, and love for the city. He wasn’t just a broadcaster—he was a storyteller who brought New Orleans’ culture, music, and people into our homes in a way that felt personal and authentic. His coverage of major events, like Hurricane Katrina, was crucial, and his impact on our community will be remembered for generations.
To his wife Bethany, his beloved children, and the entire Paulsen family, my deepest condolences. Eric’s passion for New Orleans, both on and off the air, was unmatched, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Eric. You gave us your all, and we are forever grateful."
City Council Vice President JP Morrell
"I am devastated to hear about Eric’s passing. He wasn’t only a personal friend, but a familiar voice that the entire city welcomed into their homes. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the @WWLTV family."
Former WWL-TV Anchor Mike Hoss
"We lost a dear friend today in Eric Paulsen. When you get out of bed at 3 and 4 in the morning for work, in suits wearing makeup, you develop a unique bond with your colleagues. It’s not easy. Eric made it as fun as it could be at that time of day. One of a kind. #Family"
American actor and Businessman Wendell Pierce
"Eric Paulsen was a great broadcast journalist and a gracious and kind man. I will always cherish one particular dinner we shared where his love of music was on full display. He was proud to befriend the great Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew while they rekindled their friendship. Eric was kind with a huge capacity for joy. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace."
City Council President Helena Moreno issued a statement following his passing.
“It is devastating to learn of the passing of Eric Paulsen. He was a dedicated journalist and anchor for WWL-TV covering the city’s historic and major events along with interviewing key figures in New Orleans. As a former reporter, I had so much respect for his level of calmness in times of crisis and his keen interviewing skills. As an elected leader, I knew that Eric would always be up on the issues and that he would press for answers. The City Council and many other organizations through the years have honored his long-lasting career, but what deserves the most recognition is his love and care for his family, friends, and community. I talked to Eric soon after his diagnosis; I did not realize that it would be our last conversation. I will always treasure his friendship, guidance, and fantastic sense of humor. Keeping him and his family in my prayers.”
Former WWL anchor and reporter Sheba Turk
"My heart is broken. My friend Eric has lost his battle with cancer . I was just 22 years old when I met Eric. I had just joined WWL to write his scripts (that’s how we started fighting lol) …not long after I was co-anchoring the morning show with him. Eric and I really fought from the day we met lol! And as crazy as it sounds. it made us closer. I only show anger with people I really trust- when I feel safe to show my true emotions. And with Eric we could fight and debate and go at it … and then we would be crying laughing minutes later. I always liked to think I was his karma for teasing and messing with people so much.
Eric showed me more than anyone I’ve ever met that you should ALWAYS show up as YOU and if someone doesn’t like it, too bad for them. He taught me that life is to be lived. Don’t hold back… eat, drink, dance (even if it is off beat), laugh, get into some trouble, make mistakes, piss people off, and most importantly - love hard … and show up for the people you love. Eric always encouraged me. And he would cry before I did when I was hurt or grieving (He was a big softie).
The past few years of my life have been filled with goodbyes and grief. So I’ve learned a few things. When you lose a loved one, the pain of their absence never goes away but the beautiful thing is they are never fully gone. You hear their voice in certain situations. You can feel the exact moments they would have been laughing with you. Life is hard and I’ve learned to be grateful for the people who make the day to day more bearable, more enjoyable… who make you feel that it matters if you’re in this world- because in the past few years, I’ve needed that alot.
Every moment Eric and I were together was an adventure - whether we were fussing or laughing and I’m so glad we got to share that with so many of you on TV. I am sad for his wife and children please pray for them. My Goldilocks, my Pretty P, my partner in crime, Thank you for teaching me a life that well lived is a life where you fight to laugh …and laugh … and laugh some more …sometimes even while you’re crying
Friends forever."
WWL Louisiana Chef Kevin Belton
"Today we lost a great friend. @EPaulsenWWL was a friend,a father,a husband,a very talented News anchor.He was kind & funny & a devilish kid at heart. He loved Bethany, his children & his friends & family. We will be here for your family, we promise. I love you brother. Rest Easy."
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans
"Saints and Pelicans mourn the loss of legendary @WWLTV broadcaster Eric Paulsen."
City of New Orleans issues statement sharing condolences.
"The City of New Orleans mourns the loss of one of our most beloved and longest-tenured broadcasters, Eric Paulsen. On behalf of our citizens, we extend our deepest condolences to the Paulsen family, friends, colleagues and viewers.
Mr. Paulsen, who spent over 40 years on New Orleans television, passed away on Saturday.
"Eric Paulsen was more than just a news anchor, he was a fixture in our community and a beloved friend to many," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "His dedication to his craft and love for our great city were evident in every story he told. He will be deeply missed."
Eric received love, gratitude, and respect from many throughout his career. He was recently recognized by his colleagues for his undeniable talent and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Club of New Orleans and was honored by the New Orleans City Council.
The City of New Orleans is forever grateful for all that Eric gave to our city. We will keep his family in our thoughts and pray that he rest in God's perfect peace."
NOPD Chief Anne Kirkpatrick
“Today, the New Orleans Police Department joins our community in mourning the loss of Eric Paulsen, a beloved voice in New Orleans who brought integrity, compassion, and resilience to the newsroom and beyond. His commitment to keeping our city informed through decades of service at WWLTV made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individual. Eric’s battle with cancer was met with the same bravery he brought to his career. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire WWLTV team during this difficult time.”
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