Dr. Kelly Powers, a respected Fox News contributor, surgeon, and television medical expert, has died at age 45 after a prolonged battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer. Her passing on Sunday in New Jersey was confirmed by an obituary from Holmdel Funeral Home, which announced a visitation for Thursday and funeral services on Friday at Tower Hill Church in Red Bank, N.J. Powers, known for her warm personality and sharp medical insight, appeared regularly on Fox News, Fox Business, and other major networks, offering commentary on health and medical issues. Her death marks the end of a life defined by professional accomplishment, personal resilience, and deep devotion to her family.
Born May 13, 1979, in Yonkers, New York, Kelly Powers pursued an ambitious academic and medical career. She attended Baruch College in New York City before earning her degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Powers continued her education with a master’s degree in science from the University of San Francisco and completed residency programs at Georgetown University and Boston University. Her combination of medical expertise and communication skills made her a sought-after media guest and contributor. In addition to her work in medicine and television, she was featured in several magazines, highlighting her as a talented doctor who bridged the gap between healthcare and public awareness.
Powers’s professional ascent was interrupted in 2020, when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a fast-growing and typically terminal form of brain cancer. Her diagnosis came after a frightening on-air medical emergency while she was hosting a Fox Business segment on heart health. During the live broadcast, she suddenly experienced shortness of breath and chest pain — symptoms she had just been discussing as warning signs often overlooked by women. Recalling the incident in Preferred Health Magazine, Powers said, “It’s crazy. I went into heart failure while doing a report on Fox Business — live — on heart health. You can’t make this up.” Following her hospitalization and initial recovery, doctors discovered the brain tumor that would define the next chapter of her life.
Despite the grim prognosis associated with glioblastoma, Dr. Powers faced her illness with courage and optimism. She underwent three brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, eventually entering remission. During this challenging period, she also experienced the joy of motherhood, giving birth to her son Bennett. Powers often spoke about finding light amid adversity, humorously referring to herself as “the luckiest unlucky girl” and joking that her treatments left her and baby Bennett sharing “the same haircut.” Friends and colleagues admired her ability to balance her medical career, public appearances, and personal battles while maintaining an inspiring sense of humor and grace under pressure.
Unfortunately, Powers’s cancer returned in 2024, reigniting her health struggles. Her family, friends, and media colleagues rallied around her, raising nearly $100,000 through GoFundMe to support an experimental treatment that insurance would not cover. Despite their collective efforts and Powers’s own determination, the cancer continued to progress. Her colleague Cheryl Casone of Fox News described her as a “fighter and a bright light,” noting that even in her final months, Powers remained deeply devoted to her patients, her family, and her mission to educate the public about health. Those who knew her said she never allowed illness to define her, instead using her platform to inspire others facing medical challenges.
Dr. Kelly Powers leaves behind her husband, Steven Doll, and their young son, Bennett. Her obituary described her as “a brave and beautiful soul who could make friends anywhere she went,” highlighting her compassion, intelligence, and love of life. It noted that her greatest joy came not from television appearances or professional accolades but from her role as a wife and mother. Powers’s passing has been met with tributes from friends, colleagues, and patients who remember her as both a healer and an inspiration. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy as a doctor, communicator, and advocate for patient awareness will continue to resonate with those she touched through her medical work and media presence.
