Alex Holley, an Emmy-nominated American broadcast journalist, co-hosts FOX 29 Philadelphia’s Good Day Philadelphia. Known for her crisp reporting and warm personality, she’s a go-to morning news anchor in the Delaware Valley. One of her best parts? “Alex Around Town,” where she discovers local hotspots and turns Philly’s hidden treasures into TV highlights.
More than her professional achievements, what sets Alex apart is how genuine she is. Take her Beyoncé impersonation that went viral or the time she fell on air both shows of her humorous and authentic side. This approachability makes her popular with viewers. Join me as we explore how she made her way from Texas to becoming a key face on Philadelphia TV.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abigail Gustafson (professionally known as Alex Holley) |
| Age | 41 years old (as of June 2026) |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Irving, Texas, United States |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.70–1.75 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Robert Gustafson (father, doctor), Diane Gustafson (mother, nurse) |
| Education | University of Missouri – Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism (minors: Spanish, Sociology) |
| Current Role | Co-host of Good Day Philadelphia on FOX 29 (since 2014) |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
| Annual Salary | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Social Media | Instagram: @alexholleytv (677K+ followers), TikTok: @alexholleytv |
| Awards | 3X Emmy-nominated, 2021 AL DÍA 40 Under Forty Honoree |
| Marital Status | Single |
Alex Holley Age and Birthday
Alex Holley was born on May 4, 1985, which means she is 41 years old as of June 2026. Her zodiac sign is Taurus, and people who know her say she embodies that steady, reliable energy perfectly.
Her birthday falls on May 4, and she celebrates it with family and close friends, often sharing throwback photos on Instagram. Fans regularly send her birthday wishes through social media, with many calling her their “morning motivation.”
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (approximately 1.70–1.75 meters), Alex Holley has a commanding yet approachable presence on camera. Her height gives her a professional look that fits perfectly with morning news broadcasting.
While her exact weight remains undisclosed, Alex maintains a healthy, athletic appearance through regular exercise and balanced eating. She has emphasized in interviews that staying active helps her handle the demanding 5-hour daily speaking schedule of morning news.
Key physical details:
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Nationality: American
- Hair: Dark brown, often styled in professional waves
- Eyes: Brown
- Style: Versatile she switches between polished business attire for news and casual chic for her “Alex Around Town” segments
Alex’s warm smile and engaging eye contact make viewers feel like she’s talking directly to them, which is exactly what morning television needs.
Family and Early Life
Alex Holley’s birth name is Abigail Gustafson, and she was born in Irving, Texas, USA. Her family background is deeply rooted in healthcare and service.
Her parents:
- Father: Robert Gustafson, a doctor
- Mother: Diane Gustafson, a nurse
This medical family background taught Alex early on about dedication, hard work, and serving others values she still carries into her journalism career today.
Alex grew up as the only child in her family, receiving immense love and support from her parents. Her paternal grandfather has become a frequent feature on her social media, and fans often comment on their adorable bond together.
Her Texas roots shaped her warm, friendly demeanor, and she frequently references her hometown when connecting with Philadelphia viewers who also have strong regional pride.
Education
Alex Holley attended the University of Missouri (Mizzou), one of the nation’s top journalism schools. She graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and earned double minors in Sociology and Spanish.
Her college highlights include:
- Voted Mizzou’s Homecoming Queen a testament to her popularity and charisma
- Studied at Universidad de Salamanca in Spain at age 13, where she developed fluency in Spanish
- Created “SWIPES Make a Difference,” a community service program helping students donate unused meal plans to people in need
Her Spanish proficiency has proven invaluable in her journalism career, allowing her to connect with diverse communities in Philadelphia and report on stories with cultural sensitivity.
Career Journey
Early Career (2009–2014)
Alex stepped into professional journalism in January 2009, starting at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri, where she worked as an anchor, reporter, and producer. This early experience taught her the fundamentals of breaking news, live reporting, and audience engagement.
She then served as anchor for Newsy.com, an innovative multi-source news website that prepared her for digital journalism’s evolving landscape.
Her next stop was WMBF-TV in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she became a reporter and fill-in anchor for morning news programs. During this time, Alex covered major live events including hurricanes, tropical storms, and the 2012 Republican Presidential Primary Debates experiences that sharpened her ability to handle high-pressure situations.
FOX 29 Philadelphia (2014–Present)
In the summer of 2014, Alex Holley landed her dream position as co-host of Good Day Philadelphia on FOX 29, taking over from Sheinelle Jones. She anchors the show weekdays from 6–10 a.m., alongside Mike Jerrick and other talented colleagues.
Her signature segment “Alex Around Town“ highlights local events, restaurants, and hidden gems throughout Philadelphia. This community-focused approach has made her beloved among viewers who appreciate her genuine interest in local stories.
Major Awards and Recognition
- 2015 Emmy nomination for coverage of Pope Francis’s visit to Philadelphia
- 3X Emmy-nominated TV Anchor/Host (as stated on her Instagram)
- 2021 AL DÍA 40 Under Forty Honoree
- “Broadcast News Journalist of the Year” from Philadelphia News Awards
- Featured in the digital journalism display at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
Alex joined the “The Feed AT Night” segment in January 2021, expanding her role beyond morning broadcasting.
Professional Memberships
- National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (volunteer work)
Relationships and Personal Life
Alex Holley keeps her personal life private and guarded. She is currently single and has not publicly discussed any current or past relationships.
What we know:
- Marital status: Single (not married)
- Children: None disclosed
- Dating rumors: No confirmed engagements or relationships
Despite her 677K Instagram followers, Alex shares mostly professional content, travel photos, comedy sketches, and family moments rather than relationship updates. This privacy has actually strengthened her reputation as a journalist who keeps personal matters separate from her public persona.
When she does share personal content, it’s usually about her travels (her favorite hobby), her grandfather, or fun comedy moments like her viral Beyoncé impersonation.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Alex Holley’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting her successful 15+ year journalism career.
Income Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Average Salary | ~$72,463 per year |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
Primary Income Sources:
- Television journalism (FOX 29 anchor/host position)
- Social media influence and brand endorsements
- Viral content creation and digital presence
- Speaking engagements and community events
Her salary reflects her status as a established morning anchor in a major metropolitan market, with additional income from her growing social media presence and viral content.
Social Media Profiles
Alex Holley has built a genuine, engaging social media presence that complements her on-air work.
- Handle: @alexholleytv
- Followers: 677K+
- Content: On-air mishaps, travel photos, comedy sketches, family moments, and behind-the-scenes content
- Notable: Her Beyoncé impersonation and 2021 on-air tumble videos went viral
TikTok
- Handle: @alexholleytv
- Popular Content: IPA video with Mike Jerrick (2.6 million views, 428K likes), trending dance videos, comedy content
- Style: Authentic, funny, and relatable
- Page: Alex Holley FOX 29
- Content: Show updates, personal milestones, yearly posts
- Engagement: Active community of Philadelphia viewers
Alex’s social media strategy focuses on humanizing morning news while maintaining professionalism. She talks for 5 hours straight every day on air, and her social content shows she doesn’t stop being entertaining when the cameras stop rolling.
Interesting Facts About Alex Holley
- Name Change: Originally named Abigail Gustafson; adopted “Alex Holley” as her professional name
- Homecoming Queen: Was voted Mizzou’s Homecoming Queen at the University of Missouri
- Early Spanish Study: Studied at Universidad de Salamanca in Spain at just 13 years old
- Community Impact: Created “SWIPES Make a Difference” to donate unused meal plans to those in need
- Viral Moments:
- Beyoncé impersonation that went viral across social media
- 2021 live on-air tumble that became a beloved fan moment
- IPA video with Mike Jerrick receiving 2.6 million views on TikTok
- Featured at Newseum: Her journalism work appeared in the digital journalism display at Washington D.C.’s Newseum
- Global Explorer: Has traveled to 11–12+ countries, using global exposure to enhance her storytelling
- Sorority Sister: Active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Language Skills: Proficient in Spanish, which helps her connect with diverse Philadelphia communities
- Award Recognition: Won “Broadcast News Journalist of the Year” from Philadelphia News Awards
FAQs
How old is Alex Holley?
Alex Holley is 41 years old as of June 2026 (born May 4, 1985).
What is Alex Holley’s birthday?
Her birthday is May 4, 1985.
Where was Alex Holley born?
She was born in Irving, Texas, USA.
What is Alex Holley’s real name?
Her birth name is Abigail Gustafson.
How tall is Alex Holley?
She is 5 feet 7 inches (1.70–1.75 meters) tall.
Is Alex Holley married?
No, she is single and keeps her personal life private.
What show does Alex Holley host?
She co-hosts Good Day Philadelphia* on FOX 29 since 2014.
What is Alex Holley’s net worth?
Estimated between $1 million and $5 million.
Did Alex Holley win an Emmy?
She is 3X Emmy-nominated, including a 2015 nomination for Pope Francis coverage.
What is Alex Holley known for?
Co-hosting Good Day Philadelphia, her “Alex Around Town” segment, viral social media content, and her authentic, warm broadcasting style.
Conclusion
Alex Holley represents everything great about modern morning journalism: professional excellence, community connection, authenticity, and genuine humor. From her Texas roots to her Philadelphia throne, she has built a career that balances serious journalism with approachable personality.
Her Emmy nominations, community service work, and viral social media presence show that today’s journalists must be multifaceted capable of covering breaking news while also connecting with viewers through comedy and personality.
What makes Alex Holley truly special isn’t just her $1–5 million net worth or her FOX 29 anchor position. It’s her ability to make viewers feel like they’re chatting with a friend over morning coffee while delivering important news about their community. That’s the magic of a true morning show star.
From “Alex Around Town” to viral TikTok videos, Alex Holley continues proving that morning news can be both informative and genuinely entertaining. And at 41 years old, with 15+ years of broadcasting experience, she’s just getting better at what she does.
