Why a 9 News Denver anchor wears the same chequered jacket every holiday season

Holidays call for celebration and warmth, but when this news anchor shared the story behind a "special jacket" he wears each year during the holiday, the story moved audiences to tears. 9 News anchor Kyle Clark (@imkyleclark) shared the story of his "special jacket" on December 7, and the story is dedicated to viewers missing their loved ones during the holidays. Accompanied by a heartfelt letter, this jacket has meant much to him and the viewers over a long time.

Denver-based 9 News anchor Kyle Clark often wears a brownish-gray chequered jacket on one particular day during each year's holiday season. Clark revealed that one of his longtime viewers, Doyle, had owned this jacket. After Doyle passed away, his wife Connie sent Clark a letter and asked if he could wear her late husband's jacket. "My husband, Doyle, passed away December 4th of this year," it read, "He was 54 years old and died of a brain tumor. I am trying to slowly remove his item from our home, this jacket was easy." Wondering what that could mean, Connie's letter continued, "While he was alive, I always commented that I knew exactly who could use this jacket. We would laugh about it as we watched you every night. I just never got around to sending it to you until now."

She ended with, "I understand if this jacket is 'too ugly' for even your wardrobe but know that it always made us smile each time we saw what you chose to wear each night." The letter, although of a glum subject, carried so much cheer within it — especially in Connie's tone. When Clark first wore it, many other viewers generously donated to the brain cancer research programme in Doyle's memory and sent in notes for Connie, who was later invited to the show to receive their deepest condolences. "The jacket reminds me of Doyle, Connie, and of your kindness and of the fact that everyone is missing someone, but no one is alone," Clark said.

While to Clark, his gesture may have been one of his acts of kindness, the effect it had on others is profound. Underlining this aspect, a 2024 study published in PubMed surveyed 840 students using standardized scales and found that higher empathy strongly predicted more prosocial behavior. The study showcased that empathy encourages helping behavior through shaping one's moral identity. It was because of Clark's small act of kindness that other viewers were prompted to contribute to a greater cause. Sharing the video to his Instagram followers, the Denver news anchor wrote in the caption, "Everyone is missing someone around the holidays. But no one is alone. I've worn our former viewer’s jacket for eight years as a reminder."

Soon after the new anchor shared the heartwarming backstory, online users couldn't hold back their emotions. @magickally_mundane wrote, "Kyle, you are a blessing to the world. I'm so lucky I get to live where your message is the loudest." @emilynrory4 commented, "Wow. That story, and its meaning, are so incredibly lovely. And, so is that jacket! Did that fit you straight away, or do you have a tailor who does impeccable work? Thank you for sharing " @josephmsoto wrote, "Oof this hit like a ton of bricks. I miss my mom but I know she's much happier than I could have made her in the end, so I'm grateful to God."

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