Kelly Sutton ’97 has always been drawn to storytelling. Growing up in Hanover, Indiana, she was immersed in the tales of rivalry between the local school and Franklin College. Yet, she never set foot on Franklin’s campus until an admissions ambassador visited her high school. The presentation highlighted the Pulliam School of Journalism and its hands-on learning opportunities, sparking Sutton’s interest. She had already explored journalism through a summer program at a state university, but its size felt overwhelming. Franklin College’s close-knit community seemed like the perfect fit, and a visit to campus with her father confirmed it — Franklin was a place meant to be part of her life story.

On campus, Sutton found a mentor in journalism professor Joel Cramer,* who led the broadcast program and advised students with a genuine belief in their potential. Under his guidance, Sutton and her classmates ran the weekly TV program “Inside Franklin,” writing stories, shooting footage and producing entire broadcasts from start to finish. “Those are still the building blocks of what I do now,” she said. Sutton also credits photojournalism professor Susie Fleck* for teaching important lessons about framing and lighting, elements that continue to prove invaluable in her career. Additionally, she appreciates the lessons that journalism professor Jerry Miller* instilled by challenging students to think critically about storytelling. He had a knack for playing devil’s advocate in class discussions to hone students’ journalistic instincts, Sutton said. Her most vivid college memories include late-night editing sessions in the journalism school basement, racing against deadlines before “Inside Franklin” aired in the student dining hall, “Saga.” “It was stressful but so much fun,” she recalled. “That little moment in time, just a bunch of students putting something together to be seen by all our peers — it was special.”

Sutton’s broadcast journalism journey continued with an internship at WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis. After graduation, she was hired full-time and took on various roles. A year later, she became a reporter in Owensboro, Kentucky, quickly rising to morning anchor. When the station canceled its news program, she faced an unexpected career shift. “It was interesting, different and scary,” she said. That setback led to an opportunity in Nashville, Tennessee, at Fox 17, where she co-hosted a morning show with country music legend Ralph Emery. “They needed someone to be his sidekick and do the news, and we really hit it off during the auditions,” she said. The program evolved over 12 years, featuring live music from artists like John Mayer and Taylor Swift before they became household names. As the show transitioned into “Tennessee Mornings,” Sutton became a trusted voice in country music entertainment reporting.

After “Tennessee Mornings” ended, Sutton launched Firefly Media, pursuing independent projects in entertainment reporting. “I already had been doing number-one record parties and red carpets, and I realized how much happier I was reporting on those things instead of headlines about death and destruction,” she said. After two years of independent work, Sutton was invited to cohost the TV program “Today in Nashville,” further expanding her presence in country music entertainment. When her time with that show concluded, she launched her own YouTube channel and embraced digital media opportunities. Shortly after, Amazon Music invited her to become the country music voice for its Alexa virtual assistant, which soon led to a role on their podcast, “Country Heat Weekly.”

Sutton said, “I invited my good friend, Amber Anderson, and we launched it. We had in-depth conversations with artists we love and talked about all the things that make up this fun city (Nashville) and the wonderful places to go to for music and food. Then, I was invited to join the radio program ‘Coffee, Country and Cody.’ That then led to them asking if I’d become an Opry announcer.”

She juggles all these roles while also hosting the syndicated radio show “Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton,” airing across 52 U.S. markets and repackaged for a similar show airing across the United Kingdom. “I’m really proud of ‘Y’all Access’ because we started it from scratch, and we’re an all-women crew,” Sutton said. However, her friends in the musical duo Brothers Osborne unknowingly inspired the show’s name. “They ended up being my first guests, and I asked them to read one of their past Tweets on air. They said, ‘Oh my god, we named your show!’” she recalled, laughing at their surprise. As 2025 marks milestones in Sutton’s career — her fourth year with “Y’all Access,” her sixth year with “Country Heat” and her third year with the Grand Ole Opry  —  her influence in the industry continues to grow.

This year, the Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary, and Sutton proudly holds the distinction of being its first full-time female announcer. “The announcer is the one who cues the band to start, and that’s what opens each show,” she explained. “It’s a role I’m honored to have, and one I take great pride in.” Stepping onto the Opry stage that first night is something she will never forget. “Even though I had shadowed past announcers, I was nervous. The curtain was down, and I was watching the clock. Then, I started thinking don’t screw it up, you’re starting the whole thing. It was like an out-of-body experience. After the first band began playing and the show was running smoothly, I went backstage and let out a big breath. It’s much easier now . . . still exciting and thrilling, but I’m definitely more comfortable,” she shared.

Sutton’s professional journey continues to evolve, grounded in the lessons she learned at Franklin College. “I could not be where I am today without FC. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s absolutely true. I learned how important networking is and graduated with the foundation of skills I still rely on. I would not have made it where I am or to where I am going without FC.”  Sutton deeply values connections built and nurtured over time. “The relationships you make along the way are everything, and the trust you build is what keeps doors opening,” she said.

One of Sutton’s most memorable celebrity interactions was with Dolly Parton. While eight months pregnant, Sutton interviewed Parton about her partnership with Cracker Barrel on a line of pink rocking chairs. Noticing Sutton’s pregnancy, Parton insisted on gifting her an autographed chair for her unborn daughter, Reese. Over the years, Sutton captured photos of Reese in the rocker at various life stages and shared them with Parton. When Parton released her first children’s album, she invited them to the launch party. There, Reese finally met Parton and thanked her for the special gift. Parton exclaimed, “Oh my, you’re the baby from the pictures!” The heartwarming connection remains one of Sutton’s favorite memories. “There’s just this throughline of Dolly in our lives; I love her,” Sutton said.

Parton’s enduring career inspires Sutton, beyond her talent and kindness. “Because I went to FC and had so much hands-on experience, I’ve felt capable throughout my career. I graduated knowing how to edit video and sound, and recognizing what lighting looks good and how to frame a shot. All of it plays into shooting for TV and social media, whether at a big station or on my phone for Instagram or TikTok. I’ve never been worried about being shut out of what’s to come. I like learning, and I’m kind of a tech nerd,” she said. Sutton also is a goal setter. “On the big dream board for the future, I would love to win an ACM (Academy of Country Music) award and a CMA (Country Music Association) award for Nashville Personality of the Year. I was nominated in 2023 for both. Those trophies are coming home this year, hopefully,” Sutton said.

At home in Nashville, Sutton and her husband, Paul Benton, have been married for 25 years, raising their daughter, Reese, and their rescue dog, Wickett. Whether she’s interviewing celebrities in a studio or sharing moments from the red carpet, you can follow her across social media platforms.

*Editor’s note: Journalism professors Cramer and Fleck are now emeriti faculty members, and Miller, also an emeritus, is deceased.

By: Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96

Republished from the Franklin College Magazine, Spring 2025