The Definitive Answer: What Is Melanie Lawson's Age And Her Shocking 43-Year Career Update?

For decades, Melanie Lawson has been a fixture in Houston news, her face and voice a trusted source of information for millions of viewers. But as one of the most respected and long-serving anchors in the Bayou City, curiosity about her personal life—especially her age—has always been high. With a monumental career change recently announced, the question of "What is Melanie Lawson's age?" is more relevant than ever as she prepares to close an incredible chapter in local journalism. As of today, December 24, 2025, the legendary ABC13 Houston anchor Melanie Lawson is 56 years old. Born on March 10, 1969, she has just celebrated her 56th birthday, a milestone that comes just months before a major, career-defining event that has made headlines across the city. Her incredible longevity and dedication to the news business are a testament to her passion, which began long before she became a household name.

Melanie Lawson: Full Biography and Profile

Melanie Cerise Lawson is an award-winning American journalist, news anchor, and reporter whose career has been defined by her four-decade tenure at ABC13 KTRK-TV in Houston, Texas.

• Full Name: Melanie Cerise Lawson
• Date of Birth: March 10, 1969
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 56 years old
• Place of Birth: Houston, Texas
• Nationality: American
• Education: Princeton University (B.A.), University of Texas at Austin Law School (J.D.)
• Parents: Reverend Bill Lawson (Father) and Audrey Hoffman Lawson (Mother)
• Notable Career Role: Anchor and Reporter at ABC13 KTRK-TV
• Years of Service at KTRK: 43 years (1983–2026)
• Marital Status: Divorced (previously married for over ten years)
• Children: Known to have adopted children after serving as their foster mother.
• Affiliations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links, Incorporated, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

The Early Life and Academic Foundation of a Houston Icon

Melanie Lawson was born and raised in Houston, Texas, into a family deeply involved in the community and civil rights. Her father, Reverend Bill Lawson, is a highly respected figure in the city, known for founding the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, a cornerstone of the Houston community. This upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and a commitment to public service. Lawson's academic path was exceptionally rigorous. She first attended the prestigious Princeton University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Texas at Austin Law School, demonstrating a commitment to legal and analytical thinking that would later inform her journalistic career. Despite her law degree, her true passion led her back to the newsroom.

A Historic 43-Year Run at KTRK-TV

Melanie Lawson's career at ABC13 KTRK-TV is nothing short of legendary. She began her journey at the station as a full-time general assignments reporter, quickly establishing herself as a diligent and insightful journalist. Her work ethic and on-air presence soon led her to a prominent role as an anchor. Her most recognized position was as the co-anchor of the station's "Live at 5" newscast, a role she held for many years, making her a familiar and comforting presence in Houstonian households during the crucial evening news slot. Her tenure at KTRK-TV, spanning an astonishing 43 years, is a rare feat in the often-transient world of broadcast journalism, cementing her status as a true Houston institution. Throughout her career, Lawson has covered countless pivotal events, from local politics and community issues to major national stories, always delivering the news with professionalism and gravitas. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards, solidifying her reputation as an award-winning journalist.

The Major Career Announcement: Retirement in 2026

In late 2025, Melanie Lawson made a significant announcement that sent ripples through the Houston media landscape: she is retiring. The veteran anchor is set to step away from the anchor desk at ABC13 KTRK-TV at the end of January 2026. This marks the conclusion of a remarkable 43-year career at the station, a milestone that few journalists ever achieve. The news of her retirement is a major topical authority point, highlighting the end of an era for Houston's television news. Her departure signifies the closing of a legendary chapter in local news, as she has been a consistent and trusted voice for a generation of Bayou City television news viewers.

Personal Life, Family, and Community Involvement

Beyond the news desk, Melanie Lawson is known for her deep commitment to the community. Her background as the daughter of Reverend Bill Lawson has kept her closely tied to the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where she remains a proud member. Lawson's personal life includes her role as a mother. After serving as a foster mom to children for four years, she adopted them, demonstrating her dedication to family and making a lasting impact on their lives. Her commitment to service is also evident in her affiliations with prestigious organizations like the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and The Links, Incorporated. The journalist's long career and deep roots in Houston mean she is often cited as a role model, particularly within the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ). Her contributions extend far beyond reporting, influencing countless aspiring journalists and community leaders.

Melanie Lawson’s Legacy and Enduring Impact

Melanie Lawson's age—56 as of late 2025—is just a number that represents the incredible length of her service. Her true measure lies in her legacy. For 43 years, she has been a pillar of integrity and professionalism in the Houston media market. Her upcoming retirement in January 2026 is a moment of celebration for a career well-served. She leaves behind a legacy defined by insightful reporting, a strong connection to her community, and an unwavering commitment to the truth. As she steps away from the daily grind of the newsroom, her influence as a Houston institution will undoubtedly continue. The city will remember her not just as the anchor of "Live at 5," but as a dedicated public servant who used her platform to inform and uplift the Bayou City.

Detail Author:

• Name : Heather Kshlerin
• Username : arvilla.king
• Email : vesta.franecki@strosin.org
• Birthdate : 2000-09-20
• Address : 1917 Gardner Shoals Suite 488 Lake Hugh, IL 70554-8001
• Phone : +16784003531
• Company : Thompson-Bailey
• Job : Forming Machine Operator
• Bio : Possimus commodi quo a ratione. Eos delectus et ex ut aut et. Dolor voluptatem dolores mollitia repellendus numquam. Praesentium optio non qui sit in corporis aut.

Socials

linkedin:

• url : https://linkedin.com/in/terence9745
• username : terence9745
• bio : Ipsum voluptas aut assumenda et autem assumenda.
• followers : 2061
• following : 1251

twitter:

• url : https://twitter.com/crist1994
• username : crist1994
• bio : Mollitia repudiandae assumenda suscipit. Voluptatibus odio delectus non sint ut. Soluta officia ut qui fugit.
• followers : 2078
• following : 1127