A lost love(song)

One caller said he’d been listening since he was 9 years old, eventually he got married and was able to dedicate a song to his newborn son on “Lovesongs on the KOST.” When he revealed his son was now 19 years old, host Karen Sharp slightly gasped before laughing. Another caller said she appreciated how she could call in and be recognized by the host as she shared about her relationships, her divorce, and other life events. A listener named Lucas said Karen’s voice provided something reassuring when he heard his parents arguing and even when he entertained thoughts of suicide.

Then there was a snippet from the TV show “Friends,” when Ross dedicated U2's "With or Without You" to Rachel as an apology. When Rachel called the radio station to detail what Ross had done to her, it was Karen Sharp who interrupted the song mid-play, then proceeded to chastise Ross on the air, stating "we'd just gotten a call from Rachel, she told us what Ross did. It's pretty appalling -- and Ross, if you're listening, I don't want to play you a song anymore."

Sandy Stec, EJ, Ryan Manno

Sharp was later “ambushed” by her colleagues, including afternoon host Sandy Stec and KIIS-FM evening host E.J. briefly joining Sharp on the air. Ryan Manno from the KOST morning show called in, remarking on all of the flowers in the studio, prompting Sharp to laughingly remark “you’d think I’d died!” The songs offered ranged from sentimental favorites such as “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain, “Always and Forever” by Heatwave, and “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers to more rockin’ selections including “Smooth” by Santana, Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl,” and “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison. 

Liz Kiley, Ted Zigenbusch

Friday, October 10 was a special night, because it was the farewell broadcast for “Lovesongs on the KOST.” First hosted by Liz Kiley, followed by Ted Zigenbusch, Sharp has been at the helm for 38 years. She is leaving the station apparently as part of the latest round of iHeart Radio layoffs that began earlier this week.

There were a number of tributes offered on social media from Sharp's former KOST and iHeart colleagues:

Mark Austin Thomas, Mike Nolan, Jhani Kaye

Wow!! 38 years. So much love to Southern California from you through music that has touched and healed countless hearts. Thanks so much. It was an honor to work in the same building with you those many years ago. – Mark Austin Thomas

Oh my God...no words...we love you!!!!! – Mike Nolan

Say it isn’t so! This really sucks. You’re an important part of the DNA of KOST 103 and can’t be replaced. Good luck to those who made this decision… – Jhani Kaye

Mark Wallengren, Sharon Dale

Karen, like so many long-term KOST air staff members before, you are and will always be remembered as a consummate professional. The company stories we could all tell. It falls in line with their extreme generosity of giving you just one last show. 🤣

So on with it! Have a fantastic time tonight and right after you deliver your last break and the tears begin to flow remember, we were the lucky ones. We were prepared when the opportunity arose. We spent years earning listener trust and love. We happily gave radio everything we had.

I love you dearly. You done did good beautiful lady.

You are Lovesongs. They can’t ever take that away! – Mark Wallengren

Wow, Karen! I was rooting for 40 years! Your career at KOST is phenomenal. And your impact on Southern California radio listeners is huge. Congratulations, my friend! I’m so glad we had a chance to visit recently. – Sharon Dale

Kim Amadon, Bryan Simmons

Oh Karen .. that breaks my heart and yet congratulations my friend what an amazing ride you have had! Love you !!! – Kim Amadon

I am so sorry. They have clearly lost the ability to make the correct decisions. – Bryan Simmons

The Southern California native previously served as a VIP Guest Hostess at Disneyland, where she coordinated visits for “some of the biggest celebrities in music and entertainment.” After completing both her undergraduate studies and broadcasting school, Sharp spent a year at KWIZ Santa Ana before starting at KOST in 1988.

Though she offered one last dedication, her signoff was preceded by the well known Judy Garland / Louis Armstrong ballad performed by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole:

I had to pick one out for myself, so that is from my heart to yours. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World.” It’s how I try to look at the world, and I thank you so much for being here tonight. And I want to thank iHeart Radio for inviting me to do my last show here on KOST 103.5. – in the radio world, that’s almost never done – and I really appreciate this opportunity to say goodbye to you.

Johnny Chiang, Stella Prado Kuipers

Michael La Crosse, Jill Kempton, John Peake

I want to also thank the amazing program directors in my life, they’re part of my radio family who I love and cherish. Jhani Kaye, my very first PD here at KOST, Johnny Chiang, Stella Prado Kuipers, Michael La Crosse, Jill Kempton, and John Peake. Also, thanks to all my KOST on-air talent, all my girls – I’m talking about my producers, there’s so many of them, but you know who you are and I love you. 

But mostly thank you. Thank you to the Lovesongs listeners. You shared your breakups with me, wedding proposals, the passing of a family member. You shared your graduations, and retirements, and childbirths – and most of all, you shared your heart. Your messages of love to your friends, your friends, and your significant others have made the Lovesongs show the most unique and special radio program in Southern California. As I’ve been in the driver’s seat, taking your dedications, reading your love thoughts, and playing your favorite music. But it’s you. Our listeners. Participating and opening up your hearts on the air with me that made “Lovesongs on the KOST” what it is. So thank you for sharing a little part of your life for 38 years. You won’t hear me on KOST anymore, but we can stay in touch on Instagram at KarenSharpLove, and you can find me on Facebook. 

And I wish you sweet dreams and God bless.

No announcement has been made as to what will now fill the 7 – midnight weekday slot on the adult contemporary station.

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