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| (Kathryn Griffin-Townsend Griñán, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, José Griñan, Melissa Wilson, Melinda Spaulding) |
José Griñan was roasted, toasted and boasted at his FOX 26 Houston KRIV retirement party Saturday night, and the event was so big, it had to be held in an actual airport hangar!
UPDATE DECEMBER 2023
DaLaun Dillard joins FOX 26 Houston
- José Griñan signs off FOX 26 KRIV
- José Griñan retires from FOX 26 Houston
I have never personally attended a party surrounded by a helicopter and fighter jet on display, and Griñan told me that the Million Air Houston hangar at Hobby Airport, where he was honored, is not usually available for events.
Who was available to celebrate Griñan were the hundreds in attendance, including some of Houston's most famous faces.
The event was organized by Griñan's wife, Kathryn Griffin-Townsend Griñán, the Human Trafficking Director for Harris Co. Precinct 1.
The night's festivities which included media, politicians, the Precinct One Constable’s Office Honor Guard, dancers, a DJ. All of it was hosted by by Griñan's longtime co-anchor Melissa Wilson, and colleagues Nate Griffin (also his brother-in-law) and Isiah Carey.
And in one of the best grand entrances I have ever seen, guests were shown a video feed of Griñan landing outside in a helicopter. Next thing you know, the first-ever FOX 26 morning anchor entered through the main doors to Queen's "We Will Rock You!"
Seen in attendance were members of the FOX 26 such as senior VP and general manager D'Artagnan Bebel, Randy Wallace, Chelsea Edwards, Gabby Hart, Carolina Sánchez, legal analyst Chris Tritico and former anchor Melinda Spaulding. Other Houston TV stations were representing with appearances by abc13 Houston KTRK anchor Melanie Lawson, former anchors Linda Lorelle and Jerome Gray and former reporter Jeff McShan.
Other notable Houston names included Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, Dan Zindler and Lori Freese.
Outside of media members, Houston's top elected officials also celebrated Griñan.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made remarks as well as mayoral candidates United States Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Texas State Sen. John Whitmire.
Harris County leaders such as District Attorney Kim Ogg and County Commissioner Adrian Garcia also hit the stage to honor Griñan.
