Radio announcer Tammie Holland dies of colon cancer at 53

FOXY 106.9 FM presenter Tammie Holland has died of colon cancer after a three-year battle with the disease.The American radio and podcast host was just 53.She shared her final days on social media including emotional moments with friends including former colleague Samson Crouppen, who fought back tears during their last meeting.READ MORE: Actress dies after 'infection caused by fall'"This was my last hug with @tammieholland I was crying cause I have never seen anyone so strong in the face of death," he shared on social media.READ MORE: Why Prince Harry will return to the UK over the coming years"You can see here what a beautiful spirit she was. In this little moment she showed me everything important and worth living for. I love you my dear friend and co-host. Tammie and Sammy forever. I lost one of my best friends and family today. RIP."In her own video Holland explained their friendship began when they were paired together on a podcast describing it as "a stone cold blast."Holland fronted St Louis' first all-black female radio show called 'The Real Breakfast crew' on FOXY 106.9 FM. She also hosted the podcast 'This Week with Tammie Holland.'FOXY 106.9 FM said in a statement: "Tammie's remarkable legacy in the radio industry spans over three decades, and her impact on the city of St. Louis will be deeply felt."Tammie was a cherished fixture on FOXY 106.9. She was known for her warm smile, contagious laughter and genuine enthusiasm for life."READ MORE: The most (and least) risky cities for tourists, rankedIn her final broadcast Holland told listeners she was entering hospice care after her cancer spread to her lungs and brain.She said during an interview with The St. Louis American after her diagnosis: "Very early on, I stopped saying, "Why me?""It's like, "Why not me?" My cancer has caused me to live life with more intention – to live life on purpose."On Monday FOXY 106.9 FM hosted a two-hour tribute show during which listeners could call in with their memories of Holland."Tammie was an amazing person," program director for FOXY 106.9 FM Don Williams, also known as DJ Wrekk 1, said. "She, obviously, was dealing with cancer herself, and at the same time, she was involved in fundraisers, she was helping other people who was dealing with things like cancer themselves."I'm like, 'Wow, that's a strong lady right there.' "Tammie is going to be remembered for not only being funny, but she was also there for the community even when she was going through her cancer treatment."The year of her diagnosis Holland thanked her medical team at Siteman Cancer Centre in St Louis."Having a Stage IV Cancer is tough. However, I am able to face my challenges with great courage and confidence because of the excellent care I am receiving at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis," she said."I am most grateful to my Oncologist, Dr. Benjamin Tan and the team of completely genius doctors and nurses who are working to save my life. To me, they are Superheroes."FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.