Radio star Delilah has been filling the airwaves with her voice for decades, reaching millions
She talks with PEOPLE exclusively about where her hope comes from, how she picks which songs to play, and how she continues to connect the world
Delilah shares how people can be present with one another, even in today’s fractured world
Romance radio star Delilah’s heart fills with pride when listeners call in for advice on her nationally syndicated nightly show. The self-titled “Queen of Sappy Love Songs” tells PEOPLE exclusively that finding the perfect song for every situation comes naturally to her.
“My brain stores lyrics, sometimes not the whole song, just a line or two. My dad was the same way,” she says. “Whatever line you said, he had a song to go with it. I’m the same way. But unlike my father, he had a beautiful singing voice. I don’t, so I resort to other people singing the songs for me.”
When Delilah matches a song to a scenario, she thinks about “the essence of the story” rather than just one phrase or specific word, because “sometimes that doesn’t end up so well,” she admits.
“I have to listen to the whole situation. Sometimes people do the same thing,” she says. “They’ll call and say, ‘I love my husband so much and we’re celebrating our 35th anniversary. Can you play Dolly Parton’s, ‘I Will Always Love You.’ “
“I’m thinking, ‘No, because that’s a breakup song. That song says, ‘No matter that we can’t be together, I’m still going to love you.’ That’s not the message you want right now.’ “
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Radio host Delilah.
Delilah shares that “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler was her most requested song for 25 years. Now, it’s “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, which she acknowledges is “a great song with so many situations.”
Although Delilah has been there for countless people over the years, she has also endured unimaginable heartbreak behind the scenes. In 2012, her 16-year-old son, Sammy, died from complications related to sickle cell anemia. She lost her 18-year-old son, Zack, to suicide five years later. Despite this heartbreak, the radio host still shows up for her listeners, offering open ears and an open heart.
“When I’m hurting or empty, and I open my heart to share with someone else, I’m filled up,” Delilah shares. “There are times where I got nothing left. Some nights, I take calls that wipe me out, and I got nothing left. When people want, and they take energy from you that drains you, but when somebody has a need, and you rise to the occasion to meet that need, you’re the one who’s filled up.”
Despite her hardships, the mother of 15 still feels optimism and hope for life “from interacting with my kids and grandkids, because they’re going to be here long after I’m gone.” She uses that sense of fulfillment combined with her experiences to better connect with her audience.
“Every person that you encounter has a multitude of stories. Everyone, including people that we dismiss, homeless people, elderly people, and the terminally ill. They’re loved, they’re so valuable, so precious,” she says. “When people listen, I want them to know that’s the truth. There’s nobody with a mind or a heart exactly like yours that makes you so unique and so precious.”
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The One Heart at a Time author says it is “the highest compliment” when people tell her that her show has been a staple in their lives.
“When somebody says, ‘I grew up listening to you. I made my kids listen to you, growing up in the backseat of the car, now my grandkids…’ When you’re a part of the fiber of somebody’s life, of their family, there’s no higher compliment.”
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Radio personality Delilah
“When you share your experience, strength, and hope, you’re impacting people from a real point of view. Many people give advice based on something they’ve read or were taught. But when you experience something, and you’ve come through, and you help somebody along the same path you’ve been on, that’s the best advice, because you know the path.”
As for people looking to find a connection in a seemingly more isolated world, Delilah says to “put the devices down and look somebody in the eye.”
“They’re a great tool, like when you’re calling your grandkids on FaceTime or your best friend and watching a movie together. But when they become the substitute for real relationships, they’re deadly,” she tells PEOPLE.
“Kids don’t go outside and play anymore. They sit in a room on a device. Adults don’t go to meet their best friend after work and laugh and plan a camping trip for the weekend. They sit on their devices.”
Delilah doesn’t just talk the talk. She says her teenage daughter is only allowed to have a flip phone to call her for emergencies. When she comes home from school, she does her homework and spends time with the family.
She has taught her children the importance of interpersonal relationships. Her lasting advice is for people to embrace all that life has to offer, including its “ups and downs.”
“Life is precious. It’s wonderful with all of its ups and downs, even the storms, even with death. There’s so many opportunities for sheer beauty and joy and love and laughter and miracles,” Delilah shares. “If you’re focusing on a screen all day, you’re missing the deer at the creek. You’re missing the parks. There’s so much beauty everywhere. When it’s gone, it’s gone, so don’t miss it.”
Read the original article on People
