The Fox News community and the broader medical world are mourning the loss of Dr. Kelly Powers, a beloved physician, media contributor, and advocate for public health, who passed away Sunday at the age of 45 after a private, courageous battle with glioblastoma — an aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer.
According to an obituary shared by Holmdel Funeral Home in New Jersey, Dr. Powers died peacefully surrounded by family. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life defined by achievement, resilience, and compassion — one that inspired countless colleagues, patients, and viewers alike.
Born on May 13, 1979, in Yonkers, New York, Kelly Powers carved out an extraordinary path from humble beginnings to national recognition. She earned degrees from Baruch College, the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and the University of San Francisco, before completing prestigious surgical residencies at Georgetown University and Boston University. Those who knew her recall a driven, meticulous professional — but also someone who never lost her warmth or humanity.
Dr. Powers built a distinguished career both in medicine and in the media. As a practicing surgeon, she was respected for her precision and her bedside manner, known for treating each patient with empathy and respect. As a medical contributor, she became a familiar face on Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, and CBS, where she provided clear, evidence-based commentary on public health, wellness, and medical innovation. Viewers trusted her because she had the rare ability to make even the most complex medical issues understandable — and always delivered her insights with compassion.
Her colleagues at Fox News described her as “fearless and brilliant,” noting how she balanced medical accuracy with genuine care for her audience. “Kelly wasn’t just a doctor on TV — she was a healer in every sense of the word,” one producer said. “She had this ability to comfort people even through a screen.”
Dr. Powers’ journey took a devastating turn in 2020, when she collapsed during a live Fox segment on heart health. The sudden episode led to her diagnosis with glioblastoma, a fast-growing and often incurable form of brain cancer. In interviews afterward, she described the moment as “unreal,” recalling how she went from being a doctor explaining symptoms to becoming a patient living them.
Over the next four years, she fought the disease with remarkable courage. She endured three brain surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation treatments — yet continued to appear on television, work with patients, and share updates about her condition with honesty and optimism.
During her recovery, she welcomed her son, Bennett, whom she called her “greatest miracle.” She often joked that they had “matching haircuts” due to her chemotherapy treatments, referring to herself as “the luckiest unlucky girl.” Her openness about motherhood and illness touched many people struggling with their own health battles.
When her cancer returned in 2024, friends and supporters organized a fundraiser that gathered nearly $100,000 to help cover the cost of experimental treatments. The outpouring of support reflected how deeply she had touched others’ lives. Even as her condition worsened, Dr. Powers continued to advocate for patient awareness, mental health, and the importance of early detection.
Dr. Powers is survived by her husband, Steven Doll, and their young son, Bennett. Her obituary described her as “a brave and beautiful soul whose light shone brightly even in her darkest days.”
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, with a funeral service to follow on Friday at Tower Hill Church in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Her legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments — it lives in the patients she healed, the colleagues she mentored, and the millions she educated through her voice on television.
Though her time was far too short, Dr. Kelly Powers leaves behind an enduring message: that strength, hope, and compassion can coexist with even the greatest suffering — and that the human spirit, at its best, can shine brightest in the face of adversity.