Wanda Smith, Iconic ATL Morning Radio Host, Dies Day After Birthday

ATLANTA, GA — Tributes have poured in as Atlanta mourns one of its longtime radio hosts and comedians, Wanda Smith, who died Saturday at age 58.

News of her death was first announced Saturday by V-103, where Smith shared the long-lived "Frank and Wanda Morning Show" with another iconic Atlanta radio personality, Frank Ski. A cause of death was not revealed.

“Our hearts are weighing heavier today as we grieve the loss of our beloved Wanda Smith, someone who always made us smile and who was a big part of V-103 for years," said Rick Caffey, V-103 senior vice president and market manager. "We extend our deepest prayers and condolences to her family."

Miami native Smith began hosting the V-103 show in 1998 and remained at the station before exiting in 2013, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. She later returned to V-103, only to leave again in 2018.

During her time away from V-103, she worked alongside radio host Ryan Cameron on his morning show, the AJC reported.

"In her role at V-103, dating back to 1997, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care servicing the Atlanta community. Wanda’s impact touched lives beyond making us laugh," Caffey said. "Many times she championed efforts behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of those who were without. Rest in peace Wanda, as you take your place amongst the stars. We Will Miss You. ... Rest easy Wanda. We love you, and we will miss you dearly."

Ski took to Instagram to share his sentiments on Smith's death.

He recalled first seeing Smith in 1996 in Atlanta while she was on stage. He said it was then that he knew he would choose her if given the chance to host a radio show.

That culminated in the duo doing the "Frank Ski Morning Show," which Ski said was No. 1 for 15 years.

"Wanda was definitely somebody that I really loved," Ski said.

The pair would encourage one another. Ski added Smith taught him how to empathize with people.

They reconnected in 2023 when Smith was slated to rejoin Ski on the radio before she became sick in Miami, Ski said.

"Wanda cared about the people that didn't really have, and I think it's because she never forgot where she came from," Ski said. "Whenever there was a time to give, Wanda was first in line. ... She was just an incredible person, and I'll miss her."

He then shared a video interview with Smith, where she discussed previously being named one of Atlanta Magazine's "Happiest People." She declared, "It's me. I'm really a happy person."

Smith, whose birthday was Friday, appeared in Tyler Perry's "Madea's Witness Protection" and "Madea Goes To Jail" during her extensive career. She also wrote for "Def Comedy Jam."

She is survived by her husband, LaMorris Sellers, and their three children.

Shortly after news of her death broke, public figures in Atlanta began sharing their tributes to Smith via social media:

"So sad! Wanda is a big part of my musical radio journey & Atlanta’s radio legend. She will be missed," Tamika "Tiny" Cottle-Harris of Xscape said in an Instagram comment alongside V-103's announcement.

"This is the kind of joy we will always remember. 💫 I think we all needed to hear her voice and see that radiant smile one more time," Portia Bruner of Fox 5 Atlanta's "Portia" said in an Instagram post alongside Ski's footage of Smith's video interview.

"Rest easy Wanda @wandasmithatl and her bday was yesterday," singer and TV personality Tamar Braxton said in an Instagram post.

"Woke up to news of the passing of Wanda Smith. Wanda was exactly the person Atlanta radio fans knew her to be: hilarious, vivacious and entertaining. But I’ll mostly remember how she loved people back. How she’d pull them in w/ a Wanda hug and show compassion and kindness to strangers pouring their heart out b/c it felt natural to share. She truly embraced the responsibility of being a 'community mom' and her role in helping people, thru laughter or financial support. I’m praying for her family during this devastating time. Love you Wandeeee," former Atlanta radio host and ESPN host Elle Duncan tweeted.

“Atlanta has lost a staple with the passing of Wanda Smith—not only in our city’s media, but our culture. We not only trusted her—we relied on her for her acumen, common sense way of speaking to her listeners…and perhaps most importantly, telling us it was okay to laugh in good times and bad. She was a voice for so many Atlantans and my thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones and folks like me who just loved her love for our city," Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement.

"I am certain Wanda Smith helped pave the way for women like myself, Angela Yee and so many more to boldly grace the airwaves, particularly in morning radio. For those who understand the gravity of that dynamic, you understand the indelible mark she made. I will remain indebted to her and the impact she made in the often beautiful, yet complex world of entertainment. While Atlanta mourns her loss, I am thinking of her sons - who many of us were able to watch grow up and thrive. Thank you for the way you loved the community. The last time we spoke, you were still raving about the children in your group home. Til the very end, you served. And that’s what we’re all here to do. Much love and respect, Wanda. May you soar with the Ancestors,"former Atlanta radio host Rashan Ali said via Facebook.