After more than a decade leading Central New Yorks #1 morning radio show, Tom Owens and Becky Palmer are retiring from Tom & Becky.

Their last show will be on Friday, December 20th, according to an announcement on WSYR-TV.

Tom and Beckys airtime will be filled by The Bobby Bones Show, beginning Monday, December 23rd. Its a nationally syndicated country music radio show originating in WSIX-FM studios in Nashville.

Becky started as co-host along with the late Ron Bee. Tom Owens then joined the show, and the duo went on to earn a Country Music Association Medium Market Personalities of the Year nomination for leadership, community service and excellence in broadcasting.

Tom and Becky left listeners with a fond farewell message:

After 11 years as your companions driving into work, mending the farm, relaxing after a long night shift, or simply two friends to listen to when you need them We are moving onto the next chapters in our lives ... Weve had so many incredible memories with you. Weve interviewed countless country artists, and witnessed first hand the beginnings of some amazing careers, such as Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood. From the Grandstand, to the Amphitheater, to countless other amazing venues for country music, weve loved giving you incredible, once in a lifetime opportunities with the stars.

Tom is a Syracuse University grad and a huge fan of the Orange basketball and football teams who also enjoys spending time with his family in Fort Myers, Florida. Hes looking forward to doing that more often.

I dont nearly get to spend enough time with my son who currently lives around that area, Tom wrote in the announcement. [My wife] Laurie and I are looking forward to being able to travel there more often.

Becky survived a battle with breast cancer during her tenure on the show, and began an initiative to educate women about the importance of early mammograms. She intends to spend more time doing that when she retires, as well as exploring other hobbies.

I have been working on renovating a mobile home throughout this year. Its an older, vintage vehicle And boy, I wasnt expecting it to be so much work, she wrote.

The duo thanked listeners for their years of tuning in. YOU are the reason why we have absolutely loved this wonderful journey.

My friends Tom and Becky have been instrumental to B104.7s success and they have made a big impact in the Syracuse community," said Syracuse Market President Rick Yacobush. We all wish them the best as they choose to spend more time with their families.

The Bobby Bones Show will broadcast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays on B104.7, and will feature the biggest names in country music mixed with pop-culture news, information and conversation to start your morning.

Read Tom and Beckys full statement on LocalSYR.com

Go here to read the rest:

Tom and Becky retiring from B104.7; replaced by Bobby Bones Show - syracuse.com